Blessed are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the Peacemakers

February 2, 2017

According to what I hear, we live in a troubled time of division and violence. Peacemakers are few and far between. Indeed it appears that the more riled up people get about certain issues, the better. Name-calling. Bickering. Hate speech. Common senselessness. It's everywhere these days. So what are we to do about it?

I don't exactly know -- I'm at a loss. 

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of peace. He accepted people who were scorned and who others avoided at all costs. The writer of Hebrews emphasized peace:

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Although Jesus had some pretty radical ideas for the day, His very nature was one of peace: 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And He promoted peace through His preaching:

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

This is where I disagree with all of the violent protests that have cropped up in our country over the past couple of years. I fail to see how burning someone else's property or smashing random car windows proves any fruitful point.  In fact, according to Scripture, peacemakers reap righteousness. So what do naysayers and antagonists reap?

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ‭James‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As believers, we should focus on the Lord and on loving others. We should put our utmost trust in Him. Not until this country places our trust in the Lord will we truly be at peace. 

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord, we love you and we trust you. Help us to put that love and trust into action. Help us lead those around us to cease their grumbling and to focus on peace. Your peace. And may we lead by example.