“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NRS). Is peacemaking even possible in the 21st century? The world is becoming more polarized every day and over every issue that surfaces in our life. We are divided on everything from politics to the color of the school library. Why is this so?
Is this the new model we are to use as we strive to live in a world marked by extraordinary diversity and constant change?
Is it a new anomaly caused by a world traumatized by the crises and the catastrophes of this new century: pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and human tragedies.
Has something occurred in our spirit that now causes us to be more accepting of evil, combative, and defensive?
Is our commitment to peacemaking dead? Is there room in our world for peacemakers?
Do we need peacemaking?
What is the opposite of peacemaking? The antonyms for peacemaking include the following: inflammatory, offensive, provocative, aggravating, provoking, engaging, frustrating, abrasive. Do many of these words describe the interactions we’re having these days? We might sum them up with one word: STRIFE. Strife can exist between strangers, friends, church members, or yes, even family.
The Apostle James shares the results of strife left unchecked (James 3:16, KJV). “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” The Revised Standard Version paints an even clearer picture of the results of strife. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Look around, what do we see?
Wherever there is disorder and evil work, we can be assured that Satan is in the mix. He is the proverbial puppeteer behind the actions of those he uses for his destructive actions. However, strife can be minimized and ultimately resolved by a peacemaker.
What does a peacemaker look like?
Peacemakers are intentional in creating opportunities that mirror God’s heart of peace in the world. They look for opportunities to both prevent potential conflicts and encourage peaceful relationships, even if it means personal sacrifice and self-deference (1 Cor. 9:22).
Those who are peacemakers are first and foremost people who understand and embrace God’s provision of peace. They understand that peace is not the result of external factors or human effort but is the internal “heart work” of the Holy Spirit, who is daily conforming believers to the image of Christ, the Ultimate Peacemaker (Rom. 8:29).
Peacemakers strive to promote the kingdom of God. As Christ demonstrated God’s peace in His ministry, we become peacemakers in this present age (Phil. 4:7). Peacemaking finds genesis in the heart of God.
Children of God are Peacemakers.
The peace that Jesus speaks to in this Beatitude is not a “natural” habit or disposition of man. This peace is imparted to us during the process of salvation (2 Cor. 5:17). Practicing peacemaking is not easy in the natural or our flesh. Yet it is more than possible in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
What adjective do people use to describe us? Are we portrayed as bridge builders or wrecking balls? Do we mirror God’s heart through our love and personal sacrifice? Are we ready to be God’s peacemakers?