SpiriseBible
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." - Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
Jesus doesn't bless the peace-lovers or peace-wishers but the peaceMAKERS—those who actively work to create peace where conflict exists. In a world torn by division at every level—families, churches, communities, nations—God calls His children to the challenging work of reconciliation. This beatitude promises the highest honor: being recognized as God's children because we do what our Father does—make peace.
The Divine Peacemaker
God Himself is the ultimate peacemaker:
God made peace through Christ: "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself" (Colossians 1:20). The cross is history's greatest peace treaty.
God reconciled enemies: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). He made peace with those at war against Him.
God gave us the ministry: "And hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18). We continue His peacemaking work.
God destroys dividing walls: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (Ephesians 2:14).
Understanding Biblical Peacemaking
True peacemaking involves more than avoiding conflict:
Active engagement: Peacemakers step into conflict rather than avoiding it. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault" (Matthew 18:15).
Truth with love: "Speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Peace without truth is false; truth without love wounds.
Personal cost: Peacemaking often requires sacrifice, misunderstanding, and rejection from both sides.
Spiritual warfare: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12). Division often has spiritual roots.
Long-term commitment: Peace rarely comes quickly; it requires persistent effort.
Where Peacemakers Work
God calls us to make peace in every sphere:
Personal relationships: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). Start with your own conflicts.
Family divisions: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6).
Church conflicts: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Unity testifies to the gospel.
Racial reconciliation: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
Social divisions: Breaking down barriers between rich and poor, educated and uneducated.
International peace: Praying and working for peace between nations.
Peacemaking Strategies
Biblical approaches to making peace:
1. Begin with prayer: "First of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1). Spiritual preparation precedes effective action.
2. Address root causes: Don't just treat symptoms but identify underlying issues. "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts?" (James 4:1).
3. Listen actively: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). Understanding both sides is crucial.
4. Find common ground: Build on shared values and concerns rather than focusing on differences.
5. Speak hope: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). Encourage possibility of reconciliation.
6. Model reconciliation: Be the first to apologize, forgive, and extend grace.
7. Persist patiently: "And let us not be weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:9). Peace often comes slowly.
The Cost of Peacemaking
Peacemakers often pay a price:
- Misunderstanding: Both sides may view you as the enemy
- Rejection: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you" (Matthew 5:11)
- Exhaustion: Emotional and spiritual drain from conflict
- Criticism: Accused of compromise or taking sides
- Personal attacks: Becoming a target for frustrated parties
- Slow progress: Discouragingly incremental changes
Yet Jesus calls this "blessed"—the cost is worth the crown.
Qualities of Effective Peacemakers
God uses certain characteristics:
- Humility: "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3)
- Wisdom: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable" (James 3:17)
- Patience: "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle" (2 Timothy 2:24)
- Courage: Willing to confront issues others avoid
- Integrity: Trustworthy to all parties
- Love: Genuine care for all involved
- Faith: Believing God can heal any division
When Peacemaking Fails
Sometimes despite best efforts, peace eludes:
You're not responsible for others' choices: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you" (Romans 12:18). Do your part; leave results to God.
Some reject peace: "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (Psalm 120:7).
Timing matters: Sometimes people need time before they're ready for reconciliation.
God still honors effort: "Blessed are the peacemakers"—not "successful peacemakers." The attempt matters.
The Ultimate Peace
All human peacemaking points to God's ultimate peace plan:
- Peace with God through Christ's blood
- Peace between peoples through the gospel
- Future peace when Christ returns
- Eternal peace in the new heaven and earth
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end" (Isaiah 9:7).
Practical Peacemaking Today
Start where you are:
- Identify one broken relationship in your life
- Pray for those involved in conflicts around you
- Offer to mediate between conflicting parties
- Address divisive speech in your presence
- Build bridges between different groups
- Use social media to unite rather than divide
- Support ministries focused on reconciliation
Reflection Questions
- Where is God calling you to be a peacemaker right now? What specific steps could you take?
- What conflicts do you tend to avoid that might need your peacemaking involvement?
- How can you better reflect God's reconciling heart in your daily interactions?
Prayer
Prince of Peace, You made peace through Your cross, reconciling enemies to become family. Thank You for making peace with me when I was Your enemy. Now You call me to continue Your peacemaking ministry. Give me courage to step into conflicts rather than avoiding them. Grant wisdom to speak truth lovingly and love truthfully. Help me see all parties through Your eyes of compassion. Make me a bridge where walls exist, a healer where wounds fester, and a reconciler where division reigns. Even when peacemaking costs me, remind me of what peace cost You. Use me to bring Your shalom to my family, church, community, and world. In Your name, the ultimate Peacemaker, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Engage in active peacemaking through three concrete actions: 1) Identify one conflict in your sphere of influence—perhaps between family members, coworkers, or church members. Pray specifically for reconciliation and ask God if He wants you to help facilitate peace. 2) Reach out to someone with whom you have unresolved tension. Take the first step toward reconciliation, even if you weren't primarily at fault. 3) Look for an opportunity today to defuse a tense situation or speak a word of unity where division exists. Remember, peacemakers are recognized as God's children—let your family resemblance show!
