Blessed are the peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

What is a peace maker? According to Reverand Billy Graham, in his article, Billy Graham on Peace, he tells us that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but it is the deep, abiding peace that only Jesus can offer us.

Billy Graham is quoted as saying; "Peacemaking is a noble vocation . . . To be a peacemaker, you must know the Peace-Giver."

In an article by John Piper, on desiringGod, he points out that when we become peacemakers, we are recognizable as being sons of God. John points out that these Beatitudes are important because in these words of Jesus, He is calling us to heart transformation.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27

As I studied this concept of being a peacemaker, I learned that carrying peace doesn't mean we avoid conflict at all costs, instead it may mean that we do not compromise. Compromise causes us to make a friend with corruption. We are not meant to make peace with evil.

Instead, our Lord calls us to a love so deep that we cannot leave ourselves and others wallowing in sin. But our desire becomes one with His desire and we want to walk out in the freedom that He gives us. And as we walk out in love, we bring others with us. We move from darkness into His light. We are drawn into a love so strong that we desire ALL to receive the salvation that is found in only one name. Jesus.

How can we do that if we condone sin? The Blue Letter Bible App commentary, points out that it is impossible for corrupt kingdoms to experience Shalom.

Jesus is not calling us to compromise with the sinful dominions of the world. Instead He wants us to carry His Shalom into the darkness. I sense that His Shalom-makers will be His faithful witnesses, laying down their lives for righteousness, exposing false teachings and standing against injustice and corruption.

When we do this, we bring a sword to the world systems.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."

We live in a time where confusion runs rampant. Our world is full of envy, hatred, anger, jealousy, and darkness. And as Billy Graham said above, we must walk in the abiding peace of Jesus. Both in this world AND as we deal with our families and loved ones that need Him.

Where can you bring peace today? Some days this is a hard question with a hard answer. It's not always easy to love when one throws careless words our way. Or when we try to take a stand for righteousness and that stand is misinterpretted and twisted into being something it is not.

How can we walk in peace, being a peacemaker and represent Jesus? Today my heart searches for an answer to this very question. In a world filled with contradiction, I would ask the Lord, how can I bring you into my daily life? How can I carry peace?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Dear Jesus, You have said that in this world we will have trouble, but that You have overcome the world. Today we look to You and ask that you help us walk in peace. Show us what that looks like? Lead us, we pray. Help us to carry the sword and the olive branch. Father God, we need You. Be with us, we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.