Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Have you ever, intentionally, interjected yourself into someone else’s disputes? Policemen (please pray for them) have found that the most dangerous situations that they have to go into is family fights. The tempers of both spouses are already red hot and when one is about to arrested for domestic violence the other spouse will turn on them.
A pastor’s worst nightmare is when, in the church, two factions (of believers) get into fierce arguments over who gets to play the piano. That may sound ludicrous but it has happened more than you know. And, don’t even think about correcting little Johnny when he is acting up like he ate all the chocolate in the factory.
Real Peacemakers
Jesus came as “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7) and gave the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14-18; Colossians 1:20). God calls his children to be peacemakers. This involves action, not just passive compliance. Peacemakers do more than just live peaceful lives; they actively seek to “make peace,” to cause reconciliation, to end bitterness and strife. This peace is not appeasement but dealing with and solving problems to maintain peace.
Arrogant, selfish people do not concern themselves with peacemaking. Peacemakers will be called children of God because they reflect their Father’s character. This has a royal sense to it because they will share the glories of the Messiah’s kingdom.
Let making peace be your aim. Not sloppy acquiescence—the Milque-toast peace of people without backbone or principle. But strong peace—hard won, committed to the other, centered on God, ready for the wear and tear that another day may bring, peace. You may come out of it bruised and battered but you will be doing to work of Christ in the process. Be a peace-maker. Amen.
