Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
^“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

            God has called His Church to be peacemakers.   Fulfilling our calling as peacemakers is a powerful testimony of victory over the tribulations of life.  When the others see us walking in peace and seeking to bring peace, they will recognize our relationship with Father God.  Paul instructed the Church at Galatia that peace is fruit, or evidence, that we are welcoming the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

            Peace permeates our lives when we focus on the Lord and put our trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV):   “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You”.  Paul encouraged the Philippians with a similar thought:  Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV: ” Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

The ways of the world, founded on envy, pride, confusion and evil, bring chaos and strife.  Peace, however, is rooted in wisdom which comes from heaven to earth through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. James 3:16-18 (NKJV): “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.  Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  We long for righteousness in our lives.  This scripture reminds us that righteousness is not birthed in strife, but in the pursuit of peace. 

Life is a battleground.  Those who desire to be peacemakers are often caught in the midst of the fray.  Nevertheless, in wisdom, they choose their battles.  Christians spend too much time arguing about issues that make no difference in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  Paul warned Timothy: 2 Timothy 2:22-23 (NKJV): “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”

I have been witness to many foolish and ignorant disputes that have generated strife:

A.     Should the church Christmas tree be in the sanctuary or in the fellowship hall?

B.    Is the KJV Bible the only translation that should be allowed in the church?

C.   Is Paul the author of the book of Hebrews?

D.   What color of can opener should we purchase for the church kitchen?

We have laughed at the medieval theologians who argued about the number of angels who could dance on the head of a pin.  Our arguments are often just as futile and just as dividing.  We overlook the Word which admonishes us:  Romans 12:18 (NKJV):  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  Let’s pray to fulfill that call on our lives.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair hope;
where there is darkness light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

--St. Francis of Assisi - 13th century