18 Minutes With JesusSample

The Greek term translated as “peace,” eirene, is similar in meaning to the Hebrew term shalom, conveying the idea of wholeness and overall well-being.

Shalom is a blessing conferred on another. Is it any wonder, then, that in Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers”? The makers of peace—those who actively pursue it—don’t simply want others to be free from conflict; they want others to flourish. They make their life verse Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with all men.” They seek to relieve tension, not fuel the fires of disagreements. They seek to resolve disputes, not egg on additional controversies. They seek to reconcile fractured relationships, not drive a wedge between people.

This isn’t to say that peacemakers are laissez-faire about life, with an attitude that says, “You do you, and I’ll do me.” They aren’t appeasers, willing to make peace at any price. Rather, peacemakers are interested in right living. As James said, “The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (3:18). Instead of waging war, peacemakers “wage peace,” pursuing “the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom. 14:19).

Peacemakers reflect the Prince of Peace, which is why Jesus said, “They shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). Jesus came to reconcile sinners to a holy God—to make peace between humanity and God. This is what the prophet Isaiah said the Messiah would do: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation” (52:7).

Following in His footsteps, we proclaim peace whenever we proclaim the gospel, whenever we bring reconciliation to enemies, and whenever we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As peacemakers, we find peace within our own souls and become instruments of peace in the lives of those around us.

Making peace—and doing everything we can to “preserve the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3)—should be the desire of anyone who wants to be known as a child of God.

What are a few specific things you could do this week to pursue and preserve peace in your home, in your friendships, in your church, on social media, or in the workplace?