God laid on my heart in a time of prayer recently to read back over Matthew 5:3-12 (a section of Scripture also called the Beatitudes). While pouring back over it, Matthew 5:9 stuck out to me: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Thinking back on the restorative nature, motive, and goal of all God’s designs and wisdom, He also brought to mind Bible verses and quotes I’ve had on my cover photo on Facebook for a long time from when He was molding and teaching me what He means by that title.
In a time when it seems like so many words harbor bitterness, anger, and intent to turn people against one another, God’s definition of peacemakers are needed now to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice,” and, as a result, work towards healing and bringing God’s heart for restoration to every person’s heart, our communities, and our nation as a whole (Psalm 31:8-9). This verse shows His desire for restoration through making peace is closely tied to His want for social justice to lead to restoration as well.
What would our nation look if everyone claiming to be followers of Christ lived in to God’s definition of a peacemaker? How can we be a peacemaker today to those He has placed, and places, within our sphere of influence?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
-Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
-Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
-Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
-Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
-Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)
“Our culture has accepted two huge lies.
The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them.
The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”
-Rick Warren
“Conflict is inevitable but combat is optional.”
– Max Lucado
“The word ‘peacemakers’ (eirenopoios) means ‘to make peace between people and God.’ On a more general level, it also means ‘to bring people together; to solve disputes and erase divisions; to reconcile differences and eliminate strife; to build right relationships’ but unless you get the peace-with-God thing right first, then you can kiss the rest goodbye.”
– Ross Cochrane
“In the O.T., the word for peace is shalom referring to a state of wholeness and harmony intended to resonate in all relationships. . . ..
It’s vital to understand that Jesus isn’t referring to being a peacekeeper but rather a peacemaker. The difference is that a peacemaker actively overcomes evil with good. He finds satisfaction in removing hostilities and effecting resolution between enemies. . ..
Peacemakers are disciples who strive to prevent contention and strife. They’re active makers of peace leveraging their influence to reconcile opposing parties by changing hostile attitudes to Christ-centered attitudes that seek the best interests of everyone. They are harmonizers, reconcilers, and bridge-builders who stand in the gap, no matter the cost, to usher in peace.”
– Joseph Rodgers
“Hatred looks for a victim, while love seeks a victory. The man of war throws stones, and the peacemaker builds a bridge out of those stones.”
– Warren Wiersbe
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation,the news that the God of Israel reigns!”
– Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)