Blessed are the Peacemakers

We live in a world of conflict. Nations war against nations, violence plagues our cities, and people argue over politics and race. Even among our friends and family, we often face situations of disagreement and argument. How do we navigate these troubled waters? Let’s remember that God’s kingdom is a kingdom of peace.

“In the last days… [God] will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:2-4).

We are all looking forward to eternity in God’s peaceful kingdom. But meanwhile, we live in world of conflict. In this world, we are called to spread the message of peace. Paul compares us to soldiers, whose feet are prepared by wearing the proper shoes. We are ready to face the troubling situations of this world because we wear the “gospel of peace” as our footwear (Eph. 6:15). We have to spread the good news that true peace comes from God and is available to all people. Jesus said, “my peace I give you… [so] do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27).

This message will resonate with people only if we practice making peace here on earth. We often have short tempers and get drawn into conflict. James cautions us that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20). Well, who then can become righteous? James says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). If we want to be God’s righteous people and spend eternity with him, let’s practice being peacemakers now. That means controlling our emotions and our anger, seeing things from the other person’s point of view, and considering them greater than ourselves. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

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