This is the seventh beatitude in the series of blessed beatitudes. The sixth beatitude was about purity of heart and the seventh one is about peacemakers.  “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We can immediately see a connection between being pure in heart and being peacemakers. Jesus placing these two beatitudes one after the other is consistent with other passages in the scriptures: The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable’ (James 3:17). ‘Follow peace and holiness’ (Hebrews 12:14). We must have purity of heart first if we want to be peacemakers in our spirit.

Peace or shalom is a beautiful term. Just the mention of the word brings serene, peaceful thoughts and emotions. All around the world, millions of people hope for peace but it's not found in the country or home. We have advanced in technologies and have access to various philosophies of life yet there is no peace on earth. Politicians all around the world often promise peace in the nation and world peace. Yet today the world is in turmoil in many nations and world peace remains elusive. Closer to home and in our lives, there is an absence of peace.  We see conflicts and quarrels happening in churches and homes. In society we see divorce, murders, lawsuits and fighting over petty matters. All these clearly demonstrate the lack of peace. As long as we reject God who is the author of all peace on earth there will be no peace. For Satan, the father of lies and accuser of the brethren will prevail in the climate of confusion and wars. Jesus gives us peace, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27).

Jesus, in the seventh beatitude, wants us to be peacemakers. The Lord Jesus does not say, "Blessed are the peace-lovers," or "Blessed are the peace-keepers," but "Blessed are the peacemakers." We can only be that if we have peace with God and have the peace of God. Jesus, the Prince of Peace is our peace. He brings to us peace with God through His finished work. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Also, to those who have peace with God, He gives peace that passeth understanding. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7). The peace of God remains with us even as we love God and His word. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).  We cannot give another what one does not possess oneself. In order to be a peacemaker, it is essential that the peacemakers practice peace themselves. A blessed man who loves the Prince of Peace will also be a peacemaker. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).  When we are walking in peace with God we  have harmony and love instead of hatred or strife.  Peacemakers bring peace and friendship to others. A fruit bearing Christian will be peaceful and a peacemaker as peace is a fruit of the Spirit.

What does a peacemaker look like? Peacemakers don’t sit around hoping peace may happen but rather seek peace actively. There is an active action to avoid conflict and to pursue peace as exhorted in Hebrews 12:14, “pursue peace with all people”. We have a good example for us in Genesis 3:8-13 of a peacemaker. There was a huge conflict between the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of his nephew Lot. Abraham had rights and could have easily ruled over his nephew. But he actively sought a peaceful solution and avoiding all conflict by giving Lot preference in the choice of land. As a peacemaker, Abraham sacrificed his rights and privileges for the sake of peace.

Peacemakers also avoid and remove sources of conflict. These are often character flaws or sinful tendencies that we fight on a regular basis. One such flaw is the tendency to judge and condemn others, even when we are guilty of the same sin (Matthew 7:1-5). Violence and hatred of others is also something that a true peacemaker will avoid (Matthew 5:43-48).

Peacemakers are also aware of the power of their words. They know that a quiet word can defuse a situation, while a loud, angry word can escalate the trouble (Proverbs 15:1).

One of the greatest tools that a peacemaker has, is forgiveness. If we can forgive someone for doing us wrong, then peace is always possible.

Being a peacemaker is a challenging task that requires successful application of the other beatitudes. Together, all of these character traits distinguish a Christian and prepare us to deal with what Jesus highlighted in the next beatitude, persecution.

To be continued….

Rev Mathews

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