In a world filled with competition and pride, the peacemaker is often wrongly accused of being unable to handle the conflict or the fight. This is why many people consider backing down from strife a sign of weakness. Once again, God and man are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. While many men consider it commendable to continue strife, God thinks it honourable to cease from strife. In other words, the greater man or woman brings conflict to a close rather than further instigating it. According to the Bible, it is a fool who continues to meddle in hopes of prolonging the conflict. It is up to each believer to determine whether to accept God’s way or man’s way of thinking.
Every believer ought to faithfully read the word of God, but there is another command that is not to be neglected. According to 2 Timothy 2:15, believers can show themselves approved unto God by studying the scriptures. One can read through the scriptures on a daily basis without ever truly studying the scriptures. In order to study, one must delve into the words and phrases of the Bible and consider their meaning both historically and doctrinally. Few believers take time to read their Bibles, but even fewer take time to study it. In fact, the modern versions have removed the command to study from 2 Timothy 2:15. Somebody has tried to hide God’s desire for believers to study. No doubt it is the same one who walks about seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Historically, most believers did not have the option of searching the scriptures every day. In fact, local bodies of believers might have had only one copy of the scriptures or a portion of the scriptures that could be read only when the believers came together to worship the Lord. As time progressed, more and more copies of the scriptures began to circulate. In Acts chapter 17, the Bereans were declared to be noble because they searched the scriptures on a daily basis. Perhaps they each had copies, or they met at a place of worship and studied together, but either way, they were commended for their faithfulness to delve into God’s word. Now, as the Bible is readily available, believers should be more faithful than any previous generation to daily search of the scriptures.
