Blessed Are The Peacemakers
The teachings of Jesus Christ have made a positive impact on the world more than the teachings of any other person. The Beatitudes are just one example of the Lord’s teachings which continue to benefit those who receive them. The Beatitudes are attitudes which should “be” in the lives of Christians (Matthew 5:1-12). Each of these attitudes is vital to the Christian. However, the focus of this article is the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Since Jesus taught that peacemakers will be “blessed,” we should learn how to become peacemakers.
The peace Jesus had in mind is not merely the absence of strife. A husband and wife may agree to stop arguing. However, they may continue to have resentment and bitterness in their hearts because the problem that led to the argument has not been resolved. They no longer yell at one another, but there is no true peace. The peace Jesus spoke of replaces strife with harmony, and bitterness with kindness.
Further, the peace of which Jesus spoke is not peace at any cost. The idea that peace is achieved by ignoring major disagreements, problems, or sins is not the path to peace. Jesus warned: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law” (Matthew 10:34-35). One who follows Christ may have confrontation and division with family members. If one’s family tries to hinder one from following Christ, peace with unbelieving family members may not be possible. It is better to have peace with the Lord than peace with family.
True peace—peace with God—is made possible through the gospel of Christ. Scripture says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Obedience to the gospel brings the forgiveness of sins and peace with God (Colossians 1:18-21; 3:15; Ephesians 2:12-14). Then, the one who has peace with God can become a peace “maker.”
To be a peacemaker, one must desire peace and actively pursue attitudes which lead to peace: humility, meekness, forgiveness, and kindness. Developing and maintaining these qualities will go a long way toward having peace with others. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17-18).
