Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
The word peace brings many things to mind – a tranquil place, a cease-fire, even a state of mind. We seek all of those with fleeting success. But God offers a deeper peace.
Shalom, the Hebrew word we translate peace, shares a root with completeness or totality. It is not the absence of fighting but the presence of unity and wholeness. Think of two squabbling siblings who have been separated to different corners for a time out. The outward fighting has stopped and the room is quiet, but there is no true peace, at least not until real reconciliation has occurred. Cessation of hostilities may be an important first step, but it is not the final one, as anyone who has lived under a tense truce can confirm. Peace does not require walking on eggshells.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Of all the beatitudes, peacemakers reflect God’s character in such a way they are called children of God. Attaining peace sometimes requires sacrifice and going to battle. Jesus died to make peace. Peacemakers must also be truth tellers. This can be difficult because sometimes it appears to inflame a battle, not quell it. Ignoring the cause of division will not heal it. Sweeping it under the rug does not create real peace, but rather a fragile facade of truce.
Making peace is difficult, but those who do are blessed. God was the first peacemaker, clearing the way between Him and us. And like all kingdom work, He lets us participate. We can be peacemakers through spreading the gospel, seeking reconciliation, and nurturing wholeness through a healing touch on body or soul. We won’t find complete peace until the repair of this world is complete - but as children of God, our mission is clear.
And through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:20
