The Narrow Way

Matthew 5:9 reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a series of teachings known as the Beatitudes.

These teachings provide us with a blueprint for living a blessed and fulfilling life as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Among these blessings, Jesus declares that the peacemakers are truly blessed.

Peacemaking isn’t passive avoidance of conflict; it’s an intentional pursuit of harmony, understanding, and reconciliation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to actively bridge gaps, heal wounds, and bring people together. This pursuit of peace reflects the heart of our Savior, who came to reconcile humanity to God through His sacrifice on the cross.

The verse goes beyond mere external actions.

It speaks to our identity as children of God. As peacemakers, we reflect our Heavenly Father’s character, embodying His desire for unity and reconciliation.

When we work towards peace, we carry out God’s mission to mend brokenness and restore relationships.

Being called “children of God” is a profound honor. It signifies that we are aligned with our Father’s heart, participating in His divine plan to bring healing to a broken world.

Our identity as peacemakers points others to the love and grace of God, inviting them into His redemptive story.

Practical Steps to Be a Peacemaker:

1. Cultivate Humility: Approach conflicts with humility, seeking to understand others’ perspectives before expressing your own.
2. Pray for Wisdom: Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in situations that require peacemaking.
3. Practice Forgiveness: Release bitterness and resentment through forgiveness, both for your own well-being and to foster reconciliation.
4. Listen Actively: Engage in active listening, valuing others’ feelings and viewpoints.
5. Encourage Reconciliation: Encourage open dialogue and reconciliation among individuals or groups in conflict.
6. Model Christ’s Love: Display Christ’s love in your actions, words, and attitudes, reflecting His grace and understanding.

As we strive to bring unity and reconciliation to our relationships and communities, we embody the love and peace that our Savior demonstrated. In this pursuit, we are not only blessed but also become living testimonies of the transformative power of Christ’s grace.

May we continually seek to be peacemakers, reflecting our Heavenly Father’s heart and contributing to the healing of our world.