Peacemakers

 Our world is desperate for peace.  The media is filled with war and violence, not just Ukraine and Iran but Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan and Somalia, among others.  Organized crime, cartels, terrorists are widespread and global.  Conflict and violence invade our governments, corporations, schools and our homes. Where are the peacemakers? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

 The peace of which Jesus speaks is not a standoff between adversaries who have stopped fighting but continue to watch one another with suspicion.  This peace is comfortable, built upon trust and understanding.  It is the kind of peace God wants to have with you.  It is the kind of peace God desires for all people in every generation. The angels included it in their announcement when Jesus was born: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

 We may not be able to make a personal impact in wars on the world stage, but each of us can be peacemakers where we live, in our communities, businesses, schools and homes.

 Are you a peacemaker?  Do you repeat innuendos and accusations that sow seeds of suspicion and distrust?  Do you side with people when they criticize someone else?  Do you bolster their resentments?

 Or do you hold your tongue? Do you keep confidential and questionable information that might prove detrimental and damaging to someone else?  Do you help others toward a more objective view?  Do you help them see the good in others?  Do you build bridges of trust and understanding?

 Jesus gave us the key to establishing peace in his Sermon on the Mount: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. … For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?” (Matthw 5:44-47). 

 Every person is in need of a deeper peace than peace among men.  We all need to discover and experience peace with God.  In 1954 during its London Crusade, the Billy Graham organization developed a pamphlet entitled, “Steps To Peace With God.”  It has helped millions discover a life-changing relationship with God.

 The first step is to know God loves you and has a purpose for your life. The second is to recognize that we are separated from God because of our sin.  In spite of our efforts at good works, philosophy and religion, we cannot bridge this gap with God.  The third step is to know that God has bridged this gap to us by sending His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins on the Cross.  He offers us forgiveness and eternal life.  The fourth step is to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior by faith.  “As many as received Him,” the Bible says, “to them He gave the authority to become the children of God;” (John 1:12).

 If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you can become a peacemaker by sharing this simple message with family and friends.

This is the 7th in a series on the Beatitudes.