The Task of a PeaceMaker

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

I have a piece of art on the wall in my children’s bathroom with a verse which reads “Happy are those who seek peace, God will call them His children.”

I think as parents we have a peacemaking role ingrained in our hearts and minds. I know I’m constantly trying to patch up spats between our three children, or teaching them how to mend relationships at school. It seems that some nights I soak in the peace and quiet that bedtime brings. Peace is a word that is often used in life today. It seems every day that there is another opportunity to spread peace—in the workplace, at home, even at church. But do we confuse quiet and a lack of fighting with true peace?

I don’t think I fully understood the meaning of peacemaker. It’s more than mending fences and encouraging “getting along.” We are tasked with spreading the Word of God and spreading His love to others. Peacemaking is part of this. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, and true peace can only be found in a relationship with our Heavenly Father. So the part of peacemaking that I need to add is to spread His love through examples of His peace…to model His character. This morning I read this… “God’s children reflect His character as they carry Jesus’ peacemaking mission to the world”… and began to think about how many times I have been a peaceTaker as opposed to a peaceMaker…? And wondered about how many times have I actually spread the words of God’s power and His ability to repair any situation, as opposed to simply offering nice words. Thankfully, He has given us a set of instructions, a “how-to” in regards to peace, along with an example of our task to reflect His character for those around us.

Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes peace feels so far away, and the task of being a peacemaker seems difficult. But, You have shown us how. True peace can only come from You. Lord, please touch our hearts to model Your character, to be peacemakers and spread the word of Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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