Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9 KJV
A peacemaker is one who is able to bring about peace from turmoil and friction, and blessed means “to make fruitful and prosperous.” And that’s what God does. He makes fruitful and prosperous the attempts of those people who work to resolve situations peacefully.
In John 16:33, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Yet, our peace ultimately comes from Christ.
II Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
God desires His children to have true and lasting peace. So just as God blesses His children with peace, they are also to be peacemakers and share God’s peace with others. Then “they shall be called the children of God.”
Who (or what) brings us peace in a world full of tribulation and turmoil?
1. Jesus. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
2. God’s Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
3. God’s Word. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
4. Prayer and a Thankful Heart. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
5. Allowing the Holy Spirit of God to control your thoughts and actions. Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
6. The Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” The Kingdom of God is God’s earthly kingdom of believers. If you’re saved, you’re part of the Kingdom of God.
7. And finally, it’s a choice. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” You choose to let God’s peace control your heart, which is a part of the body of Christ. And while you’re at it, be thankful.
God blesses His children with peace, but He also promises to bless the peacemakers. Shouldn’t we, as God’s children, work to be peacemakers in everything we do? And peacemaking starts with us.