Blessed are the peacemakers
One of the things Jesus says is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).
If we look at the world today, thousands of years after Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, this verse is, unfortunately, more relevant than ever. In a time of major international conflicts and unrest in many countries, there is a great need for people who fight for peace. But what did Jesus actually mean by the term “peacemaker,” and how can we be one in our time?
War and unrest today
Conflicts, unrest, and war have caused immense suffering for countless people. Tragically, it is often the most innocent who suffer under unjust regimes, years-long conflicts between ethnic groups, or cruel leaders. But war and peace do not just exist at a general international level. Even in our daily lives, there can be conflicts in which innocent people suffer because of people’s selfishness. It could be children suffering from conflicts between their parents, a group of friends suffering because of one person’s behavior, or an entire workplace that has to accommodate the boss’s mood swings.
In James it says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1–3.) Conflict among people thus stems from the passions and desires we harbor, and in Isaiah it is written that there is no peace for the wicked (Isa. 48:22). A prerequisite for being a peacemaker in the sense that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount is, therefore, to live a life with God. After all, Jesus himself was called the Prince of Peace. In every situation, trial, and challenge, he had complete peace. He was filled with God’s peace. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). So, it is possible for us to share in the same peace that Jesus had. The peace that comes from God.
A great many people avoid conflict and want peace because it makes them feel comfortable. The result is compromises that aren’t really peace. When your heart is pure, you are close to God. Then you face the situations you encounter with something else than your own feelings, self-righteousness, or selfishness. If you live a life close to God, you gain a whole new perspective. You receive the strength to face these human situations with God’s rest. Like Jesus, you have complete peace in such trials because you have a pure heart.
Being a peacemaker
Being a peacemaker today is not limited to UN leaders, peacekeeping troops, the U.S. president, or NATO members. When Jesus spoke from the hillside in Galilee, he was not addressing powerful people, military commanders, or kings. He spoke to ordinary people. Just like you and me. The Book of Revelation contains the prophecy of the Millennium. That is when Jesus has returned to earth and will reign here. Only then will there be complete peace throughout the world. Until then, those of us who believe in Jesus and wish to follow him can be peacemakers in our daily lives by keeping our hearts pure.
Watch the video about Matthew 5:9 here.