In a world filled with division, unrest, and brokenness, the call to be peacemakers rings out like a beacon of hope. As followers of Christ, we are not merely called to be believers or followers, but to actively engage in the transformative work of peacemaking. This is not a passive endeavor, but a challenging and rewarding journey that requires us to walk in the footsteps of our Savior.
At the heart of peacemaking lies the restoration of relationships. When sin entered the world, it shattered the perfect harmony that existed between God and humanity, between individuals, and between humanity and creation. As peacemakers, our mission is to mend these broken relationships, to see the image of God in others, and to work towards reconciliation.
The Greek word for "peacemaker" in the Gospel of Matthew is an active verb, reminding us that peacemaking is not a title to be earned, but a continuous action to be undertaken. It is a call to step into a world filled with unrest and to bring the shalom of God – the perfect peace that existed in the Garden of Eden before the fall.
Peacemaking is not to be confused with a superficial sense of justice or the mere absence of conflict. True peace is found in walking with God, in experiencing the healing, miracles, and restoration that come from being in His presence. When we walk closely with Christ, like the disciples who followed in the dust of their rabbi, we become conduits of His peace to those around us.
The path of the peacemaker is not an easy one. It requires us to seek peace actively, to pursue it even in the face of adversity. The Psalmist exhorts us to "turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14). This pursuit is not a casual endeavor, but a deliberate and persistent one.
In the Book of Jeremiah, God instructs His people to seek the welfare, or shalom, of the city where they have been sent into exile (Jeremiah 29:7). This command is particularly striking, as it calls us to bring peace even in the midst of enemy territory. As followers of Christ, we are sent into a world that is often hostile to the message of the Gospel, yet we are called to be light in the darkness, to bring hope and love to those who are hurting.
The call to peacemaking is not limited to individual relationships, but extends to our communities and the world at large. The author of Hebrews urges us to "make every effort to live in peace with everyone" (Hebrews 12:14). This is no small task, as it requires us to lay aside our differences, to seek understanding, and to work towards cooperation rather than competition.
Ultimately, the identity of the peacemaker is rooted in Christ Himself. When Jesus surrendered His life on the cross, He offered the most gracious terms of peace imaginable – forgiveness and reconciliation to those who were at war with God. His prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), is a powerful example of the heart of a peacemaker.
As we seek to follow in Christ's footsteps, we must ask ourselves: When people look at us, do they see Jesus? Do they see individuals who are committed to building bridges, to bringing hope and worth to the marginalized, and to reflecting the love of Christ in a broken world?
The journey of the peacemaker is a challenging one, but it is also filled with blessing and purpose. As we actively engage in the work of restoring relationships, seeking shalom, and reflecting Christ to the world, we become true sons and daughters of God. May we embrace this high calling with courage, perseverance, and love, knowing that in doing so, we are playing a vital role in bringing about the kingdom of God on earth.