Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Matthew 5:6-9

Verse 9  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

    After yesterday’s talk about the dangers of gossip, we turn to looking at what it means to be a peacemaker and the importance of peacemakers in the Church.

    It is easy to slip into the mistaken view that as Christians we are to be peacekeepers, but this isn’t what Jesus said would be blessed.  Yes, it is important to build each other up, but not to the point of letting the truth get lost.  The biggest problem with just being a peacekeeper is that it sometimes allows sin to continue and that is never a positive thing in the Church.

    Let’s look at one potential situation where being a peacekeeper instead of a peacemaker will cause a major issue in the Church.  Chris and Jamie are at odds with each other.  They have a mutual friend who is also a member of the church.  On separate occasions Chris and Jamie share their angst with the friend.  If the friend was a peacekeeper, they would just listen to each person and agree with them about the opposite member.  But we are called to be peacemakers.

    So how would a peacemaker address the situation the friend found themselves in?  This is a touchy spot to be in, but it is likely one we will all find ourselves in at one time or another.  First off, when we find ourselves in this predicament we need to pray for wisdom.  Only with Godly wisdom can we bring the healing that needs to happen.  Yes, healing needs to happen if we are going to be peacemakers.  As peacemakers we are to be working to bring reconciliation to the relationship between other believers.  Of course we can’t make the other parties actually reconcile, but it is our responsibility to do our part to try to make it happen.  And if the Chris and Jamie’s in our lives are true Christians, they should want to be reconciled too.

    Once we have prayed for wisdom we need to address each person individually in a loving manner.  This will not be an easy task, but it is very necessary.  Hopefully these chats have produced hearts that are tuned to the Spirit and the need to reconcile.  The mutual friend can offer to be a part of a meeting of the Chris and Jamie of the situation to try to help the meeting remain calm and focused on finding the common ground so that reconciliation can be reached.  When reconciliation is accomplished the Church has strengthened its bonds with each other and with God, the Great Reconciler.  And it is good to remember that these conversations need to be kept in the privacy of the trio working together when possible.  Remember gossip never helps reconciliation happen.

Making It Personal

    Are you a peacemaker or a peacekeeper?  Have you ever been part of a situation like this?  Did it help you grow in your relationship with God and other believers?

Making It Personal Kids

    What is the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker?  Which one does Jesus want you to be?  Can you think of a way you can be a peacemaker today?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for being the Great Peacemaker.  Please give us wisdom in helping bring peace to the relationships of the people we love and worship with.  In Jesus’ name, amen.