Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
This topic is so relevant that I have to smile. I am presently embroiled in tension with coworkers. I am the minority that is constantly ignored. I’ve tried appealing it, but to no avail. I am literally here trying to keep the frustration and anger down. I had a good week, but the meeting two days ago brought it all back.
Our world has an unhealthy view of rights. There are many grievances. It’s like the temperature is up. We as christians are to be different. Jesus talks about turning the other cheek. This doesn’t mean that we accept abuse. But we need to learn to overlook things and to rise above.
I Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Being a peacemaker means we dig deep and love. We don’t get in line with those with grievances. We choose to ignore them. We choose to love. To attempt to right things is fine. In my case that hasn’t worked. I am still to love.
We need to ignore the worlds ways. Jesus speaks of one of those ways in Matthew 5:46, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?” We are to love those who won’t bring us any benefits. No payment. We are to bring peace where ever we go. It feels quite foreign to my situation.
Some times our suffering is because of our own doing. We can’t claim christian persecution there. I Peter 4:15 says, “Indeed none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.” We will make mistakes. Own them and move on. Get better. God forgives and will help us move on. This doesn’t disqualify us as peacemakers. We need a little time to repair our reputation and move on.
Our contribution should be positive. In general we should be a peacemaker. Jesus’ entire mission was about that. His primary purpose was to bring peace between God and man. He did this by dying for our sins. This made it possible to have peace. We have to accept that work and allow Him to be our lord. We have peace with God.
Not all accepted Jesus and His mission of peace. The pharisees and rulers killed Him. He was a threat to their power and way of life. Jesus engaged them in battle. Yet, He was still a peacemaker. Not all of our lives will be peaceful. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” He gives His peace to the peacemakers.
God seeks for us to reduce our selfishness. Matthew 16:24 says, ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”‘ We aren’t to indulge in selfishness like we once did. We are to love God and others. That involves sacrificing for them. That certainly brings peace. People appreciate being loved on.
The blessing given to the peacemakers is that they will be called the sons of God. How cool is that. We are like Him in miniature. He seeks to draw people to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that’s our job; “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.” Even though all we come in contact don’t accept Christ, we can leave a mark of peace on them. A blessing. We are His sons (and daughters).
Lord, thank You that You want us to be peacemakers. Help us to do that.