16 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’” 17 And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” 18 Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. 19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” 20 Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king. ~ 2 Samuel 20:16-22
Mothers, you ought to live peaceable lives, and you ought to teach your family to live peaceable lives. Lead by example. I didn’t say not to protect. I said, don’t go stirring up trouble; avoid it at all costs. See what the wise woman said in verse 19, I am one of those who are peaceable.
When war came to her city, she did not call the men to arms; she sought peace without firing a single shot. What am I talking about?
I’m saying there will be times when trials arise in the home, and it’s how you respond to those trials that will determine the outcome. Mrs. Graham (the wife of Evangelist Billy Graham) said, “A true mother is primarily and essentially a trainer.” Children learn from what they see. And a peacemaker isn’t born; they are taught. It is the peacemakers that will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
My wife works in IT, and sometimes she gets emails or some type of correspondence that riles her and makes her blood boil. Her policy is, do not respond right away, give it time, and write your response if you want, but don’t send it. It’s better to reply the next day. If time is of the essence to email, then have someone vet it for you. Children will have their disagreements and find ways to help them solve their disputes. Train them to learn to find solutions for their own problems, and they will be problem-solvers when they are adults.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Raise Peacemakers.
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