"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." The word 'called' here seems to mean "acknowledged as." God shall own them as His own children. He is "the God of peace" (Hebrews 13:20). His great object, in the wonderful scheme of redemption, is to "gather together in one all things in Christ," whether they be things "in heaven," or things "on earth" (Ephesians 1:10). And all those who, under the influence of Christian truth, are peacemakers, show that they are animated with the same principle of action as God, and as "obedient children" (1 Peter 1:14) are cooperating with Him in His benevolent design (Dr. John Brown). The world may despise them as fanatics, professors of religion may regard them as narrow-minded sectarians, and their relatives may look upon them as fools. But the great God owns them as His children, even now distinguishing them by tokens of His peculiar regard and causing His Spirit within them to witness to them that they are sons of God. In the Day to come, He will publicly avow His relationship to them in the presence of an assembled universe. However humble their present situation in life may be, however despised and misrepresented by their fellow men, they shall yet, "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43). Then shall transpire the glorious and long-awaited "manifestation of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19).

 

It is to such people that God makes the most precious promise: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

 

One of the defining characteristics of God is peace. He is the very author of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). He is identified throughout the Bible as “the God of peace” (Hebrews 13:20, for example). So it is fitting that peacemaking should also define His children.

 

The Bible reveals an incredible and awesome truth: We are created to become the very “sons and daughters” of God (2 Corinthians 6:18). The God of the universe has created us with the express intent of bringing us into His eternal family!

 

As incredible as that is, there is even more to the promise of being sons of God. The children of God will inherit “all things” (Hebrews 2:8). The peacemakers—those who internalise and live by the traits listed in the beatitudes by bringing peace to others—will become children of God and reign as “kings and priests … on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).

 

We will be ruling along with Jesus Christ, who also has the title, “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The Kingdom that we rule will be defined by peace (Romans 14:17). For more on this incredible truth, read “Children of God.”

 

The "God of peace" is the source of this new life. Indeed, His very name is Yahweh–shalom––"the LORD our peace" (Judges 6:24), and our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He is God's Peacemaker. "He is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). He has brought us near by His own blood (v.13) and taken us by the hand and brought us into the presence of the Father and introduced us to Him (v.18). Jesus gives us His peace (John 14:27; 16:33). Moreover, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of peace. He applies and supplies the peace of God to our hearts (Gal. 5:22). The peacemaker draws upon this constant supply of God's peace.

 

The opposite of peacemakers

The world has its share of troublemakers. They are also called agitators, rabble rousers, spark plugs, instigators, dissidents, heretics, insurgents, malcontents, mavericks, misfits, rebels, renegades, turncoats, etc., etc.

 

I am not talking about those agents of change we need in every organization, including the local church. We need those individuals who make us think, evaluate, and don't always think the way we do, or see things the way we see them.

 

However, the opposite of a peacemaker is one who has attitudes which are hostile, indifferent, angry, bitter, judgmental, obsessively critical, nit-picking. Even the apostle John had his Diotrephes, “who loves to be first among them.” Thank the Lord for the comparison of Demetrius who “received a good testimony from everyone” (3 John 12) and “the well beloved Gaius” (3 John 1).

 

Like the apostles John and Paul warned, there are shortcuts to peace that we dare not take. They not only cheapen peace, they also cheapen grace. We must never sacrifice Bible truth and solid doctrine for a passing moment of tranquillity. There are some things that must never be compromised.

 

How do we become peacemakers?

Let’s take time to examine our attitudes and behaviour. Observe our own behaviour and attitudes toward other believers, the church, and its leadership. If we are prone to be a bearer of gossip, bad news, negative attitudes, bitterness, resentments, hostility toward others, then let’s start working at changing attitudes to ourselves and others. Let's decide now to make love a priority in our lives. Let's make the building of relationships based on love and grace an emphasis in our lives.

 

Take some time and do an in-depth study of the principles of interpersonal relationships in the Bible.  Study Romans, chapters 12-16. You will be amazed at how many passages are addressed to interpersonal relationships. These chapters emphasize good relationships in the body of Christ.

 

Philippians 4:1-9 gives us an excellent model on becoming "peacemakers." There were two women who were outstanding leaders in the church at Philippi. Their names were Euodias and Syntyche (verse 2). Paul asked the leaders in the church to help them. They may have had strong personalities and wanted to do things their way.

 

Take a piece of paper and respond to some questions and apply these verses to your own Euodias and Syntyche.

 

Rev Mathews

 

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