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

                                                                                    Matthew 5:9 

We have already examined the biblical mandate for believers to be peacemakers. Let’s take a look at the qualities necessary for peacemaking.

First, peacemakers should be confident. While being a believer is not criteria for being a peacemaker, those in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are able to bring the grace of God to every situation. Christians know the truth and are able to make decisions consistent with the reality of the gospel. Knowing who we are in Christ brings spiritual confidence that we can apply as we deal with others inside and outside of the church. As we live in the power of being at peace with God, we are equipped with the ability to bring others to this life saving, eternal reality.

Secondly, peacemakers should be patient. For any of us to act as a peacemaker, we must be slow to allow emotions to enter into the equation. Gentleness and respect for both sides of an issue (even in the face of ignorance) is essential if we are to bring parties together. Today, we often see anger and hostility being hurled at others in an attempt to force those groups into a preferred mindset. This hostility is usually the result of deep- rooted bitterness, anger, resentment, and fear. Only when we are able to bring emotions down to a manageable level are we going to see the fruit of clear-minded individuals coming together. Being patient in the face of antagonism is a necessity for those who hope to bring peace to any given situation.

Thirdly, peacemakers should be effective communicators. The first rule to being an effective communicator is to listen. Being slow to speak goes hand in hand with being slow to anger. Only as we truly listen to others are we fully equipped to effectively and beneficially respond. Effective communicators should avoid the usage of labels and stereotypes in identifying problems. As we begin to get a more complete picture as to what is separating two parities, we can begin to devise a plan for compromise (where that is possible and appropriate). Developing and executing a plan for peacemaking depends on accurate information between retrieved from those involved.

Lastly, peacemakers should be discerning. As believers, we should be discerning in everything that we do. When dealing with conflict, we would do well to ask God for the necessary wisdom and discernment required for meeting the challenges of the situation (James 1:5-8). This discernment gives the peacemaker the ability to see beyond the circumstances and into the root cause of the problem. Once we gain this understanding, we can then accurately respond to the situation. Godly wisdom launches us into abilities and victories that we could never acquire on our own.

As peacemakers, we should be confident, patient, effective communicators, and discerning. Pray and ask God to use you as a peacemaker!

Happy are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God!