"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of God."
~ Matthew 5:9
Jesus desires each of us to be peacemakers. Unfortunately, we live in a day when hostilities, disagreements, dissensions, and suspicions are the rule of the day rather than the exception. Jesus promises happiness to those who strive to restore relationships by calming the troubled waters of human conflict. Where is this promise of happiness found? It is among the greatest imaginable - - to be called sons of God. One of the most obvious characteristics of a Spirit-filled person is that they are peacemakers. Sadly, there all too many "Christians" who are "troublemakers" rather than "peacemakers."
In studying this beatitude I found that it has as its foundation the six previous ones. We can't be effective peacemakers until we admit our spiritual poverty, grieve over our sin, submit to God's control, hunger and thirst after righteousness, show mercy and become pure in heart. Peacemakers enjoy an indescribable peace with God. Our need to make peace with God doesn't mean that God is angry with us or that he is unwilling to interact with us. In fact, it's just the opposite. God desires to have a relationship with us. The only barrier between us and God is our sin and willful unbelief and disobedience.
I've thought of several people that I view as peacemakers. As I've thought about these individuals the common characteristic that I see is that they have an inner peace with themselves. We must begin with ourselves to become peacemakers. I remember as a child my mom telling me that if I didn't love myself nobody else would. Now I never took that advice to mean that I should think highly of myself, but I did understand her to be saying if we constantly are at war within ourselves then we will always be at war with others. Ever think about those who are always at odds with fellow workers, family, and friends? I think there are fighting a battle within themselves. When there is a pattern of saying hurtful words, whether true or false, it is obvious to everyone around that we are not at peace with ourselves. Not too long ago a pastor's wife told me, "hurting people say hurtful things." Jesus has promised to give us peace (John 14:27).
Not only are peacemakers at peace with themselves, they are also at peace with others. We must recognize that ending overt hositility and absence of conflict is not necessarily peace. Two people may cease saying unkind things to one another, but retreat into long periods of bitterness and angry silence instead. They are neither friends, nor at peace. They simply refuse to communicate or associate with one another. Peace is a positive thing. It is wholesome relationships from which constant goodwill is produced. Peacemakers reach out - - they take the initiative. Their concern is not who is to blame, but how can peace be attained or restored. They are not faultfinders or criticizers - - they are healers. They are the sons of God.
Anyone can love peace, but Jesus didn't say, 'Blessed are the peace-lover.' He says peacemakers. It's a life vocation, not a hobby on the sidelines.
~ Matthew 5:9
Jesus desires each of us to be peacemakers. Unfortunately, we live in a day when hostilities, disagreements, dissensions, and suspicions are the rule of the day rather than the exception. Jesus promises happiness to those who strive to restore relationships by calming the troubled waters of human conflict. Where is this promise of happiness found? It is among the greatest imaginable - - to be called sons of God. One of the most obvious characteristics of a Spirit-filled person is that they are peacemakers. Sadly, there all too many "Christians" who are "troublemakers" rather than "peacemakers."
In studying this beatitude I found that it has as its foundation the six previous ones. We can't be effective peacemakers until we admit our spiritual poverty, grieve over our sin, submit to God's control, hunger and thirst after righteousness, show mercy and become pure in heart. Peacemakers enjoy an indescribable peace with God. Our need to make peace with God doesn't mean that God is angry with us or that he is unwilling to interact with us. In fact, it's just the opposite. God desires to have a relationship with us. The only barrier between us and God is our sin and willful unbelief and disobedience.
I've thought of several people that I view as peacemakers. As I've thought about these individuals the common characteristic that I see is that they have an inner peace with themselves. We must begin with ourselves to become peacemakers. I remember as a child my mom telling me that if I didn't love myself nobody else would. Now I never took that advice to mean that I should think highly of myself, but I did understand her to be saying if we constantly are at war within ourselves then we will always be at war with others. Ever think about those who are always at odds with fellow workers, family, and friends? I think there are fighting a battle within themselves. When there is a pattern of saying hurtful words, whether true or false, it is obvious to everyone around that we are not at peace with ourselves. Not too long ago a pastor's wife told me, "hurting people say hurtful things." Jesus has promised to give us peace (John 14:27).
Not only are peacemakers at peace with themselves, they are also at peace with others. We must recognize that ending overt hositility and absence of conflict is not necessarily peace. Two people may cease saying unkind things to one another, but retreat into long periods of bitterness and angry silence instead. They are neither friends, nor at peace. They simply refuse to communicate or associate with one another. Peace is a positive thing. It is wholesome relationships from which constant goodwill is produced. Peacemakers reach out - - they take the initiative. Their concern is not who is to blame, but how can peace be attained or restored. They are not faultfinders or criticizers - - they are healers. They are the sons of God.
Anyone can love peace, but Jesus didn't say, 'Blessed are the peace-lover.' He says peacemakers. It's a life vocation, not a hobby on the sidelines.
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