Friday, March 4 Read Matthew 5:1-14
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
At Peace with God
Merriam-Webster defines a peacemaker as “a person who helps to prevent or stop an argument, a fight or a war.”
How is it that I can be a peacemaker? Is there some divine expectation that I can foil terrorism or prevent a war? Although I think I have more tact and diplomatic skills than Donald Trump, I don’t think my business skills make me a good candidate to tackle world peace.
I decided the best way for me to figure out how I could be a peacemaker would be to study various interpretations of the passage. Many of these interpretations suggested that a peacemaker have a peaceful and loving temperament. Some indicated that a peacemaker could work toward greater peace between people. However, the interpretations that spoke to me most called upon God’s people to strive to have a peaceful relationship with God.
If I want to be a peacemaker, I must work on my relationship with God, which means being more intentional about that relationship. I must turn to God more frequently than when I am in church or asking for something in prayer. I must look to God for guidance; he no doubt offers it and I ignore it. I must be much more deliberate in my relationships with others. Too frequently, I find myself taking sides in an argument rather than looking for areas of common ground.
Becoming a peacemaker is not about winning the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s about understanding, reconciling and unifying all God’s children, at least those within my circle of influence, to the best of my ability. It’s about being at peace with God and reaching out in all the little ways that bring people in my life into harmony with one another and with God’s plan for his creation.
Susayn Brandes
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