Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

                                                                                    Matthew 5:9

Peacemakers are next on Jesus’ list of those who are truly blessed. It is important to note that He does not say, “Blessed are the peacekeepers.” There is a difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. Peacekeepers are those who will do anything just to “keep the peace.” At first glance, this seems reasonable and beneficial but the ends that people will go to in order to keep peace can be counterproductive to standing in the truth. We cannot compromise when it comes to the gospel even if it means that we lose friends.

But all of that applies to peacekeeping. Jesus is announcing the blessedness of those who act as peacemakers. These are the people we call into a situation when conflict has arisen. Peacemakers are those who can exercise neutrality in the face of polarizing stances. Peacemakers are those who bring a sense of calm and levelheadedness to an otherwise volatile situation. Paul writes of this peacemaking in the following instructions: 

So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 

                                                                                                     Romans 14:19 

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 

                                                                           Romans 12:18 

…being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

                                                                                       Ephesians 4:3 

Unity in the Spirit of God should yield, as a byproduct, peace. This unity of peace should extend to our relationships with everyone else, including those outside of the body of Christ. We are to pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of others. We are not in control of the way others choose to respond to a situation but as believers, as far as it depends on us, we are to always pursue opportunities that promote peace. This peace begins in our harmony with God through Jesus Christ and then extends to our relationships with others. In addition, peacemakers are those who act as mediators between two other parties, infusing this peaceful attitude in resolving conflict.

You might remember that Jesus declared the “pure in heart” as blessed. James tells us that godly wisdom is first of all pure. But consider the second of the two descriptions of this heavenly wisdom: 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable… 

                                                                        James 3:17a 

That’s right, godly wisdom is pure and exhibits itself in the lives of those who are peaceable.

So we have on good authority that the followers of Jesus are to pursue peace in all things. As the world continues to scream at one another, often cursing the “other side” for their stupidity and indifference, the church should stand ready to bridge gaps in the relationships between others while maintaining the integrity of the gospel by refusing to compromise the truth. What the world needs today are men and women devoted to the proposition of being peacemakers.