“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Our Lord continues His teaching with this 7th “Beatitude”. What is a “peacemaker” and how should that apply to us? When we first think of peacemakers, we sometimes think of people like those in the peace corp or those designated by our nation and NATO as peacemakers who go visit waring nations and try to broker peace agreements, but that’s not what Jesus is talking about here. When Jesus refers to peacemakers, He is referring to the way we live among our fellow human beings and the way we act. Remember, we are supposed to love our enemies and do good to those who do wrong to us. We are supposed to shine as lights in this world of darkness, and by doing so point others to Jesus Christ.
Look at what Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12-13 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” In Romans 12:18, Paul wrote “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In Hebrews 12:14 the Bible tells us “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” And over and over again – the Bible commands us as believers to live a life different than this world.
It seems hardly a day goes by in today’s world that we don’t hear about someone threatening others with a lawsuit because they don’t like what the other person did or said. People are VERY quick to seek revenge for other’s actions and words, and even those who claim to be Christians are always fighting and arguing with others. That’s NOT the actions of a TRUE follower of Jesus Christ. True peacemakers not only refuse to involve themselves in “wars” with others, they also seek to replace the fighting with righteousness and goodness…the righteousness and goodness that comes from a true and right relationship with God. And thereby – we show the love of God to others.
Jesus tells us “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) When we live such a right life no matter what others do, the world will notice a difference in us. That’s why Jesus said “…for they shall be called sons of God.”
James 3:13-18 tells us “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” The peacemakers Jesus is referring to are those who follow HIS wisdom, NOT the wisdom of this world. This world’s “peace” is only temporary – God’s peace lasts for eternity.