There’s no way to escape it. Our world has been overwhelmed with hatred, division, and discord. The atmosphere is suffocating, and it seems almost counterintuitive to promote or speak peace.
The world is increasingly marred by division. It’s in our families, at work, in our churches, and in our neighborhoods. Whether it's political conflict, racial tension, or ideological battles, we see the fruits of division everywhere. Hatred and bitterness seem to flourish, while unity and understanding are hard to find. In this environment it is extremely easy to fall into the trap of returning hatred for hatred or divisiveness for divisiveness. It’s the most natural response.
But Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
That was not for isolated situations. It was an all-inclusive statement for all of life.
Jesus meant that people who actively work to bring reconciliation and peace – both between people and with God – are made fortunate by God, and they are divinely favored. They actually reflect the nature of God as the God of love. God does not just love as an action. He IS love. It is His character. The more we follow Him, the more we become like Him. Peacemaking becomes central to who we are.
Peacemaking involves following and living and loving like Jesus. It means stepping into brokenness, not necessarily avoiding conflict, because sometimes it is unavoidable. But peacemakers confront areas that need a conversation with truth, love, and a Christ-like spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation.
This is not optional for the Christ follower. To follow Jesus means to handle everything in our lives in a way that honors Him.
We must remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. For us to be like Him, for us to be peacemakers, we must ourselves experience peace. Peace with God and peace with ourselves. When we live like that, we have a great attraction to the world, and an inner strength that gives us stability and security. We are enabled to work for peace in the world.
Jesus has made this available to us. The night before He conquered evil and sin forever by His death and resurrection, He confidently promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
This is our birthright and confidence. And it is our mission to take His peace to the world.