Mission Venture Ministries

Many do not understand the true meaning of this question; Jesus, however, placed a high value on this characteristic when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). 

People typically think of peacemakers as mediators who negotiate disputes and settle arguments or disagreements between two parties; and this is exactly what we need to be in all our relationships, whether at home, at work, at school, in the neighborhood or at church. 

Society has been largely characterized by conflict, resentment, and contention, but as Christians we are taught to, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). 

We are therefore responsible to do what we can to live peaceably by acting in a godly manner, even if a satisfactory resolution doesn’t take place. 

The first step in becoming a peacemaker is receiving Christ’s peace. This is not something we work to attain but it is a gift freely given to all who trust Jesus as Savior. It’s actually the gift of Christ Himself, which is acquired at salvation. When we trust in Jesus and His death as payment for our sins, we not only have peace with God, but we become His beloved children. At that moment, an eternal relationship with Christ is established, and where He is, there is peace. 

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples an amazing promise: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). Jesus wasn’t saying that life would always be tranquil but that they would have peace of mind and heart, even though their circumstances were painful, difficult, and uncertain. This is the same kind of peace Jesus promises to all of us who belong to Him; and one of the evidences of this relationship with Christ is that we strive to become peacemakers ourselves. 

Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we carry that message of peace to others, we become peacemakers. God delights in those who reconcile others to Himself—those who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” are called “beautiful” (Isaiah 52:7). 

Second, the most basic way of making peace is by connecting other people to the ultimate Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Because of sin, we are all born enemies of God, and the only way to be reconciled to Him is through faith in His Son for the forgiveness of our sins (Romans 5:8-11). 

For that reason, the most obvious way to do this is to share the gospel with others, and pray the Lord will open their hearts and minds to understand and believe. This is also accomplished by our conduct, which is also a means by which God uses to draw people to Himself. 

Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world … Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16). 

Human life without a relationship with Christ is characterized by anxiety, fear, anger, and without a relationship with Him, no one will ever have genuine peace. The only things the world can offer are counterfeits that only provide temporary relief. 

When unbelievers see us going through hardships with a sense of peace and contentment, they may wonder what makes Christians so different. Hence, we must always be ready to gently and humbly tell them why we have Christ’s hope and peace in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15). 

Third, we are called to be peacemakers in our relationships, because, the internal peace Christ gives should also overflow into our relationships with others. Whenever we experience disagreements or conflicts, He can give us the peace of mind to respond in a godly manner that defuses aggression and hostility. As Paul told Timothy, “Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). 

However, if we are preoccupied with exerting our rights, getting what we want, and proving the other person wrong, the contention will grow, and along with it anger, bitterness, and resentment. None of these can coexist with peace because they are negative emotions that keep our focus off the Lord and on our own selfish demands. 

James points out that there are two kinds of wisdom with which we can respond to conflicts (James 3:13-18). The wisdom from the world is natural and demonic. It’s characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition and results in evil and disorder. But the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy. Those who make peace rely on God’s wisdom, which produces righteousness. 

The word for peace means to bind or join together; signifying oneness without strife or anxiety; and this should be our goal in every relationship. Although others may reject our attempts at peacemaking, we must remember that Jesus says we are blessed because as children of God we are reflecting Christ-like character in our conduct, conversation, and interactions with others. 

Only children of God can bring the peace of knowing God to others. A person must have a real relationship with God before he or she can help someone else know God. Those who witness for Christ, share their faith with their friends, and serve others in the name of Christ are the ambassadors for peace. Those who bring the wonderful message of God’s peace to the world are “peacemakers,” and Jesus calls them the “children of God.” 

Our hope is that you are a born again believer who tells people about Jesus Christ’s gift of reconciliation with God and who seeks to sow peace in every relationship. If you do this, you will be blessed and reap the fruit of righteousness. 

Always remember that it is God that “reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18), and as a result we are to be His peacekeepers while on this earth. 

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