Blessed Are The Peacemakers, For They Shall Be Called Sons Of God Series

Now my final point. As Christians, it’s very important for us to understand Matthew 5:8 correctly. The scripture does not say:- “Blessed are the peacekeepers. …”

That’s a drastic error, even though it’s only a slight change in terms.

Peacemakers strive to create peace and attempt to reconcile things and people that are at odds with one another.

Peacekeepers, on the other hand, strive to keep peace at all costs.

Solomon, in Proverbs 10:10 (NLT), says, “People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” Peacekeepers, by not acknowledging wrongdoings in an effort to maintain peace, are actually winking at them.

Peacekeepers and peacemakers can actually be considered complete opposites of one an-other.

We have often confused peacemaking with peacekeeping. Furthermore, if we have been hurt when we misguidedly think pursuing peace is keeping quiet or not speaking truth or only sharing part of the truth. We equate being passive with peacemaking. We withhold and bend truth not speaking how we really feel. We may be thinking that we are doing what is best for the relationship. However, peace is far more than the absence of conflict it is the presence of mercy and justice. True peace produces a relationship that brings even enemies together (Proverbs 16:7).

Peacemakers do not keep their mouths shut when they see improper behavior. Rather they are the ones who are willing to expose wrong conduct. Peacemakers see a problem and immediately go to work to correct, reconcile and restore. Peacemakers boldly confront no matter what the cost to themselves in order to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth even as it is in Heaven. That is, they go into the thick of the battle to resolve the conflict (Matthew 11:12. Revelations 12:11). Nevertheless, they remember that our fight is not against people but the spiritual forces behind them (Ephesians 6:12).

In this ferocious world, may we walk as peacemakers, bringing to peace to the hostile, such that Christ gets all the glory.