Matthew 5:3-12
Verse 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
We continue our journey through the beatitudes recognizing the eternal resolutions that they hold.
Today’s beatitude is one that is often misunderstood. The world would love to tell us that God’s children should be peacekeepers but that isn’t was Jesus said, He said we were to be peacemakers. There are some key differences between peacekeepers and peacemakers and according to Jesus, only one gets us called children of God.
Being a peacemaker is an intentional action to bring peace to a situation. It isn’t about giving in so that there is no aggravation felt by the other person. It isn’t about not standing up for right because it may offend someone. No, peacemaking is about knowing truth and firmly making it known. The world tries to tell us that being firm is not peaceful but the truth is, there is no peace where truth is squelched.
One of the problems with being a mere peacekeeper is that we can more easily be led into traps of sinful thinking as we find ourselves giving in so that we don’t stir up any trouble. Jesus never wavered about what was truth and would not sacrifice truth in the name of peace. To keep the peace is a false sense of being in His will and it gives us a tainted view of who He is and how He lived.
Jesus knew what it means to be a peacemaker. He lived out peace and showed peacemaking in how He dealt with those who came to Him needing help. Like the lady caught in adultery. He didn’t try to make her and her accusers get along. He allowed the truth of the matter come to light. Yes, she had been caught in a sin but those who were wanting to stone her we not sinless. He could have made a scene but He was a peacemaker and the situation never escalated out of control.
We need to remember that the only way we can truly know how to be peacemakers is by knowing the peace that comes from a committed relationship with God. When we know the peace of God we can know what it means to make peace for others and how to help them find peace. Even peace with God.
Making It Personal
Are you a peacemaker or a peacekeeper? Has anyone ever helped you grow spiritually by being a peacemaker? Where do you need to be a peacemaker today?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you try to make peace or let others have their way because you don’t like people being upset? When is a time you saw someone being a peacemaker? How can you be a peacemaker?
Closing Prayer
Father, there are times where we fail at being peacemakers because being a peacekeeper seems so much easier. Help us remember that easy isn’t what leads to the best choices. Please give us the wisdom to know how to make peace in Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.