True Peacemakers

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

Do we really understand what it means to have the peace of God, and be at peace with both God and man? I believe that we often only enjoy half of what God intended for us to enjoy when it comes to having true peace in our lives. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and the Greek word is eirene. The word means to be tranquil, at rest, but also means to be complete. In other words, to make something whole. It means that when Jesus came and brought peace between God and man, He made us whole. To be made whole, or be at peace with God, is not just about no longer being His enemy. It is also about being in partnership with Him. When we are at peace with God and others, it does not just stop at no longer being in opposition, but it now means to be in cooperation with. Jesus gave us eternal life, not so that we can just sit around being tranquil and doing nothing. Jesus called us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5), and told us that we are blessed as peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means to actively seek peace and make peace with others. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that as much as lie within us, we are to be at peace with others (Romans 12:18). So what does that look like? Well, let us take two opposing entities being at war with each other. While they are at war, they continually fight each other. However, when they choose to be at peace, that means that they not only stop fighting each other, but also agree to, and put together, a plan that will outline how they will now cooperate with each other to make each entity complete. Maybe they agree to trade their goods with each other, or agree to provide a work force that will work together to rebuild what was broken while they were at war with each other. So it is when we are at peace with God. We come together with God to follow the plan He has already put together in His Word, so that we can work together to bring others to Him. When we put peace into action, it also puts us in the position to be reminded that God is always with us, always in control, and ultimately enables us to enjoy the peace that passes all understanding, during the most difficult of circumstances. Today, let us not just sit back and enjoy God's peace. Instead, let us go out and put God's peace into action, and enjoy the blessing of being true peacemakers, and sons of God, for the glory of God.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).