Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
Read that verse again! Pay close attention to the second part of the verse. Peacemakers are identified as sons of God. The implication is that those who are doing the work of peace-making are doing the work of God in this world.
I find there are two types of people. There are peacemakers, and there are peace-takers. There are those who work to promote peace, and there are those who fight against peace. The question is in what camp do you fall?
The ultimate peace-maker is God. If we are to be peacemakers we are going to take our lead from him. He did the hard work of reconciliation (see John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8, Titus 3:3-5). He gave his Son as a peace offering to restore the broken relationship with humanity.
God is a God of love. God is also a God of justice. Both of those elements are part of his nature. Love and justice go together. They are not mutually exclusive of each other.
But this is the thing I want you to recognize. Justice alone will not bring about peace. Just because something is fair does not mean two parties will exist in harmony. We have 5-year-old twin boys. They will get in an argument. My wife and I will mediate the disagreement. We will come to a settlement that is fair, but that does not mean that either boy is happy. There is often anger that still exists between them.
Justice alone will not bring about full reconciliation. True reconciliation cannot happen without love. That is why we recognize that God leads with love. Love and justice are both part of his nature, but love comes first. Consider the following verses:
The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty . . . Exodus 34:6–7 (ESV)
Notice the verses start by proclaiming God is abounding in steadfast love. Love comes first. He is quick to offer forgiveness. At the same time, he does not simply overlook sin. The justice that was served was that Jesus was condemned as guilty on our behalf. His love was that he desired a path towards reconciliation. His love was his desire to restore the relationship. His love was that he was willing to endure injustice. It was not fair that he would pay for our sins, but that is what he did because he loved us.
As we consider dealing with difficult people, consider if you lead with love or justice. Do you want that difficult person to get what is coming to them? Or do you desire healing and restoration to take place? What is the length to which you would go to make peace? Are you willing to endure injustice if necessary?
There is a cost associated with being a peacemaker. Also, recognize there is a promise that goes along with being a peacemaker and that there is a reward. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God! Doing the work of peacemaking, you are doing the work of God.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the blessings of being a peacemaker?
- Where are you called to be a peacemaker?
- What do you need to be a peacemaker? What is the cost of being a peacemaker?
- Share your comments.
counseloral says
someone once told me that dealing with difficult people can be our way of carrying the cross. When you are able to forgive a difficult person in your life than you release the power they have over you. Putting them in the hands of God so that he can deal with that person.
Kelly says
Well said!