Being Peacemakers

Sometimes, God’s peace is worth fighting for.
 
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9, NIV)—a call, a blessing and a reward all from Jesus to those who will actually promote and make peace, not merely wish for and sing about it. As individuals and an organisation, we need to rediscover how we can use what we have to be peacemakers for Christ, the Prince of Peace. 
 
The Bible is clear on peace, harmony and reconciliation between humans and God, as well as between fellow humans. The biblical mandate for peace—in Hebrew, shalom—far exceeds mere absence of conflict: it is wholeness, integrity and the way life was created to be. It’s comprehensive, touching all parts of life, and to Christ’s ambassadors, it is a worthy and attainable calling. Peacemaking does not ignore sin in our midst; it exposes it so that peace can be restored. Peace and righteousness are never separated. Neither can we assume the role of peacemaker unless there is peace in our own homes and lives. Do we know this shalom in our dealings with others? Have we made peace with our pasts? Or are we too busy doing God’s work that we ignore the centrality of true peace in the gospel message?
 
There are roadblocks on the path to peace: human pride, the thirst for revenge, a refusal to confess failings. As peacemakers, it is not enough to simply avoid being drawn into conflicts with others; there are times when we must engage conflict around us, whether it is social upheaval or a neighbour in turmoil. Being a peacemaker does not make you a pacifist, yet everything can be brought to God, where we exchange our burdens for His forgiveness—and peace. 
 
Am I a peacemaker? 
 
How can I measure the peace within me and its outward workings?
 
What will my children pick up on as they watch my life?
 
Am I promoting peace wherever I go?
 
Do my children hear me slander others?
 
Do I regularly pray for peace in others’ lives?
 
Do I pursue peace with others who value it, even if they are different from me?
 
Every day, we are faced with choices and opportunities to create environments for peace. In esteeming the grace of peace, we must call for it when people are avoiding it, humbly offering ourselves as mediators for the benefit of all parties. This is difficult work, yet it is a significant part of our identity as God’s people. 
 
When Jesus and His disciples began to feel the social tension of His ministry, He consoled them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV). We need to apply this transforming peace to conquer our fears. The opposite of peace is not war but fear and anxiety. This verse confirms that God is always with us, no matter what pressures we face. 
 
Peacemaking sounds passive, but it is powerful force we need in our homes, neighbourhoods and churches.  The world needs to discover shalom today. Let it be found where we are: in our families, groups and teams as we “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet.3:11, NIV).