Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
MATTHEW 5:9 (CSB)

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“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” (The Message)

Peacemakers are exceptional people. Exceptional here indicates they are the exception to the rule. Everyone seems to have an issue he or she wants to fight about. Politicians wish to be known as fighters for particular issues and constituencies. 

Peacemakers, on the other hand, are called by Jesus “sons of God.” We are like God when we seek and promote what creates peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He makes peace between God and individuals by removing a person’s sin and bringing him or her into relationship with God. 

When Jesus showed up in the upper room after his resurrection, he gave the traditional greeting new meaning when he said, “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36) Resurrection and redemption are the ultimate peacemaking tools.

James, Jesus’ half-brother, wrote, “human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness,” (James 1:20). Politicians, pundits, and other people ought to take that to heart. As one preacher likes to say, “When I’m abrasive, I’m never persuasive.”

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” Guess which side of this equation God wants us on? Lowered voices and gentle smiles accomplish far more than so-called righteous anger. 

God is a peacemaker. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We are like our Father in heaven and Jesus our savior when we seek peace, when we insert peaceful measures into our relationships and work. 

Our world right now could use a whole host of peacemakers. It does not need a single new rabble-rouser. It does not need another hostile hatemonger. It does not need another soapbox prophet of doom. 

God blesses peacemakers. They become more and more like him. Doesn’t it follow then that those who sow discord and amplify anger become more and more like our adversary the devil? Just a thought. 

Cooperation, collaboration, working together—these help us achieve and enjoy peace. They produce harmony. 

How will you create peace today? How will you wield the tools of peacemaking?

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I will work for peace.

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Our Father, make us peacemakers. Give us gentle answers. Give us soft speech and genuine smiles. Make us ever more like you. Amen.