BE A PEACEMAKER

MATTHEW 5:9

5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

John Calvin described a peacemaker this way “… those who not only seek peace and avoid quarrels, as far as lies in their power, but who also labor to settle differences among others, who advise all men to live at peace, and take away every occasion of hatred and strife.” Another minister, Warren Wiersbe said it this way: “Christians should bring peace between people and God and between those who are at odds with each other. We share the Gospel of peace.”

But could it possibly go deeper that that? We can look at verses 44-45 of this same chapter. Verse 44 tells us “….love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”. Wow, now that can be hard to do, can’t it? But that is part of being a peacemaker, because the next verse, 45, tells us about the reward for being a peacemaker. “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven”. Now, that is exactly the same as the reward in verse 9 for today.

In today’s society, it seems that disagreeing with someone is to hate them. Disagreeing seems to cause bitterness, strife, and division. That is not the way of a child of God. We should be in the business of bringing people together, not tearing them apart. You’ve heard the saying “turn the other cheek. Well, that is what we are literally to do, rather than hitting back. Don’t get even. It won’t accomplishing anything. Make peace, not war. Make friends, not enemies. The reward is worth it. ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and be determine to love your enemies.