Blog: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ESV

Peacemakers will be called sons of God because of the family resemblance — God is seen in how they live. Do people see God's nature in the way you handle conflict and tension?

In an upside-down world that thrives on division, bitterness, and outrage, peacemakers are sons and daughters of God who carry God’s burden for reconciliation. In the eight Beatitudes we see four reflections of a heart posture then four reflections of a lifestyle that results from living in surrender to the nature of Christ.

Matthew 5:3-11 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ESV

As we die to ourselves, we more readily embody these Beatitudes as an expression of God’s Kingdom in the earth.

2 Corinthians 5:18 God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. NIV

We are to carry God’s burden for reconciliation.

Maturity and humility are more committed to reconciliation than being right. Relationship advice: Sometimes it’s better to be happy than it is to be right.

Are you more committed to being right, or to being reconciled?

What is a peacemaker? There is a difference between a peacemaker and a peace keeper. “Peacemaker” is actually somewhat of an aggressive term embracing the call to reconciliation. A peacemaker is willing to pay a price to restore things broken among people and between people and God. A peace keeper avoids conflict to keep the peace but in doing so there is never any reconciliation.

Peacemakers bring God’s kingdom into broken places with loving but unbending conviction. We must learn to value God's desires more than our own feelings. We can cause real damage when we want our feelings validated more than we want His Bride elevated.

There are many misguided people who pride themselves in being a safe place for people to voice complaints and hurts without judgment. Passively listening to gossip rather than confronted it actually fosters division.

As followers of Jesus we must remember that TRUE love is always tethered to TRUTH. And TRUE reconciliation is born from repentance and surrender to the Cross of Jesus Christ, where mercy and truth come together.

Here are some great questions to ponder as you allow the Holy Spirit to do a deep work in your heart this week:

1. Do people see God's nature in the way I handle conflict and tension?

• Would someone watching me say I carry the likeness of God as a “son” or “daughter” of peace?

1. Am I more committed to being right, or to being reconciled?

• Is there anyone I’ve been avoiding because I don’t want to deal with the conflict?

1. Where in my life have I been more of a peace-keeper (avoiding conflict) than a peacemaker (engaging it with humility and truth)?

• What conversation might God be calling me to have — gently, but boldly?

1. What pain, offense, or wound have I not yet surrendered to God for healing — one that may be keeping me from becoming a true peacemaker?
2. What’s one relationship in my life where God is calling me to be an agent of peace, healing, and restoration?
   

GP2RL: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with the ministry of reconciliation as a peacemaker this week.