Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9. Being born into this world in sin we have the tendency to be at enmity with God and our fellow men! Webster defines a peacemaker as “one who makes peace, as by settling the quarrels of others.” God is “the God of peace”, Philippians 4:7, “who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:18. Jesus is the greatest peacemaker “For He Himself is our peace” Ephesians 2:14, here and in the surrounding verses bringing nationalities together into one family, the family of God! And Jesus has bequeathed on us His children His own special peace saying in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you…” and then He goes on to tell the disciples, and us, that His peace is not like what the world calls peace; His peace is a heart peace, an inner peace, far greater than anything the world can offer. Since He is “the God of peace” and His message is “the gospel of peace”, Romans 10:15, those who spread peace are reputed to be His children. As Christians our first priority is to bring others to peace with God as we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” But the mandate to spread the message and work of His peace extends to between individuals, families, churches, races, nations, and between us and other people! Romans 12:18 tells us “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Sometimes that involves suffering wrong rather than retaliating; Proverbs 15:1 gives this advice, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” And in Proverbs 26:20 he says “Where there is no wood the fire goes out…” The fact is that using our ability and influence, in the love and wisdom of God, to reconcile people, families, nations, churches, and ourselves with others, is the work of God!
Peacemakers
By Rose Hill
Happy are you if peace you bring,
For you will be able to joyfully sing.
Because you’re part of God’s family,
And will be with Him in eternity.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.