Peacemakers

Scripture: Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Devotion:

Peace is something everyone claims to want, but hardly anyone is willing to do any work to obtain it. Peace is also greatly misunderstood. Most people, when they think of peace (if they think of it at all), think that it is merely the absence of conflict. Peace is really the presence of reconciliation. Jesus’ words above describe what a true Christian should be and do. By living in this way, Jesus’ people become children of their heavenly Father and change the world around them by their mere presence.

To most of the world, peacemaking seems like a passive activity. The more passive, the better their thinking goes. But Jesus is not blessing peace-lovers or peace-wishers with these words, but rather peacemakers—the kind of people who pursue not just the absence of conflict but true reconciliation among differing parties. This reconciliation is achieved by bridging divides, healing old wounds, and promoting understanding between people. The traits common to peacemakers are courage, humility, and sacrifice. These traits are not optional for the Christian. They are a requirement for those who seek to live an authentic Christian life.

What reward does God give to the peacemakers? The promise is that they will be called and known as “children of God.” They are called this because, in the act of peacemaking, they come to resemble God in increasing measure. Their acts of reconciliation imitate God, the ultimate reconciler. The God who sent Jesus to reconcile His lost people to Himself. When we become peacemakers, we display God’s character to the world. Peacemaking becomes our identity and makes our witness that much stronger. We can let our lives do the talking for us.

So, you may ask, what does this actually look like? Here are some concrete expressions of peacemaking: Speak gently rather than harshly (Proverbs 15:1); listen before reacting (Prov. 18:13); forgive quickly (Prov. 19:11); Refuse to gossip (Prov. 17:9); Bring calm to tense situations (Prov. 29:11). Peacemaking must begin at home with the church. The church cannot afford to be the source of conflict in a community. There is perhaps no better witness to the community than a peace-filled church. Make small daily choices that bring peace where you live.

Peacemaking is a calling to become more and more Christlike. The road to true peace may not always be smooth and easy. We will need wisdom and courage to walk with the Holy Spirit’s empowering to become a better peacemaker. We must persevere in our attempts to make peace. Every effort in this regard reflects the Father’s heart and blesses those around us.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus as a peacemaker between us. We desire more than anything to be a reconciling force in our communities. Grant us wisdom and courage to step out in faith to make peace in our world. May others see Jesus’ peacemaking in our feeble efforts. Amen.