Blessed Are the Peacemakers

         In today’s  world where so many people are willing to voice their opinions through use of physical force and violence, it is important for us to remember what Jesus says in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Peace is something that is needed so much in the world today.
What does it mean to be a peacemaker? The word “peacemaker” comes from the Greek word, εἰρηνοποιός, which means “loving, peace, pacific.”  The dictionary defines “peacemaker” as “a person, group, or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight.”  Those who are peacemakers are those who want to avoid a conflict rather than go around looking for a fight.
        The Bible speaks about the importance of being a peaceful person Romans 12:18 says “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Those who use protesting as a way to inflict violence upon others are definitely not living peaceably with all men and are abusing the right to peacefully protest. We should try to get along with everyone, and make attempts to be friendly with others. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). We are to treat others like we want to be treated, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12).
        If we are peaceful with men, we are being like God. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” (Hebrews 13:20). We are to be like Christ, who is the Prince of Peace! “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
        Being peacemakers does not only apply to our relationship with others, but it applies to our relationship with God, also! The most peaceful life that can be enjoyed here on Earth is the life of a faithful Christian! Of course, that does not mean that the life of a faithful Christian has no challenges to overcome. Faithful Christians can face many challenges in life, and they can be faced with many temptations to commit sin, just like everyone else. The advantage that true Christians have over others in the world is that we know that this world is not our home, and that our sole purpose in this life is to fear God and keep His Commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
        Christians who have their focus on God rather than the world do not worry about the chaos that is going on around them. They do not focus only on the negative things that are going on in the world, bur rather focus on staying on the strait and narrow path that will lead them to Heaven! “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14).  It is only through the faithful Christian life that we can find the peace that passes all understanding. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
 
 

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