Beatitudes - Blessed are the peacemakers...

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

What is a Peacemaker? First and foremost it is one that has peace in their own heart. You can’t give away what you don’t have. A peaceful heart flows from the last beatitude which is being “pure in heart.” If we lack purity of heart – we will struggle with peace.

Peacemakers are instruments of peace. They contribute to and do not take away from the peace of their family, their circle of influence and the body of Christ. Conflict follows some around because it lives in them.

Peacemakers plan for peace. They get ahead of conflict and try to cut it off before it comes. Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Peacemakers work for peace when there is conflict. They are able to bring peace to others because they have it themselves.They know how to de-escalate a situation by being willing to take the first step. This means that at times they must step forward in love first before it is shown back to them. This is exactly what Jesus did for us.

Peacemakers show humility and don’t look to humiliate. They don’t seek to claim victory because they prioritize peace. A good example of this is the father in the Prodigal Son story. When he saw his son returning to him from a distance, the father ran to the son before he even knew why he was returning. He had been humiliated when his son asked for his inheritance and then left the family. The father humbly sought peace with his son and for his family.

Peacemakers are willing to give up their own rights when necessary for the sake of peace. They trust any injustices they have suffered to God. Sometimes we want to stand on our rights which may get in the way of peace. Thankfully Jesus did not do that. He gave up His rights for us.  We are never more like Jesus than when we are peacemakers.

Peace,

Big E

Matt. 5:6