Heart ChecksSample

Be a Bridge-Builder

Today, we are looking at the seventh Beatitude. Here, Jesus hones in on the necessity and importance of peacemakers. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” In other words, Jesus is saying, “Happy are you when you make peace. When you do—you look like and act like God.”

Here, Jesus speaks to something that was as central to His divided culture then as it is to ours now. You see, Israel at this time was very divided and complex. There was strife, division, and fighting everywhere, yet right in the face of all this conflict, Jesus declares in His culture—and ours—“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

The original Greek word for peacemaker is rich and filled with meaning. It’s someone who loves deeply and contends to make peace—not just in their life, but in the lives of others. Friend, peace is not passive—but it’s possible. It doesn’t just show up. We have to fight and contend for peace.

We have a calling and responsibility as believers to live peaceably and to make peace. Now, let’s look at three truths about peacemaking:

1. Peacemaking starts with God.

If we look all the way back to the dawn of creation in the Garden of Eden, we see God make the first move to bring peace between Adam and Eve and also to reconcile their relationship with Him. He made the provision. He also made the first move at the cross. He knew we would sin, and experience strife and conflict all around us. Thus, He made the sacrifice of His Son to pay for our sins. Jesus made the first move. Peacemakers make the first move. When you receive Christ, you receive peace.

2. Unforgiveness is the roadblock to peace.

There’s one thing that blocks peace and peacemaking—and that’s unforgiveness, bitterness. What does bitterness do? It defiles you and everyone around you. It slings mud on anyone and everyone. When you’re bitter, you’re actually the opposite of a peacemaker—you’re a strife-generator. Unforgiveness shuts down the possibility of peacemaking. Forgiveness allows God’s supernatural peace to replace the anger and resentment that enslaves you.

3. We’re called to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers.

Peacekeepers want to avoid tension at all costs and often won’t deal with the causes behind it, while peacemakers seek to reconcile hearts and minds. You and I are called into the ministry of reconciliation—which is a ministry of peacemaking. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:18: "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…" Friend, Jesus Christ reconciled us—and when He did, He also made us reconcilers… peacemakers.

Today’s heart check: Am I being a peacemaker—or a peacekeeper?

After you reflect, bring everything to God in prayer.