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

These words of Jesus are found in the heart of the Beatitudes. Eirēnopoiós, peacemaking in the Greek, means to actively cultivate and maintain peace in relationships. It is a characteristic of the children of God as they live out the Kingdom of God on earth. Peacemaking is an intentional effort to understand others despite the multitude of differences that can separate and divide. Peacemaking is a work of transformation as conflict is resolved and a spirit of unity is created. Jesus goes on to amplify peacemaking when he calls disciples like you and me to turn away from eye-for-an-eye thinking to actively loving your enemy. I refer to this teaching as Jesus encouraging us to turn our enemies into our friends.

Sometimes this Beatitude is mischaracterized as keeping the peace. Peacekeeping is closer to policing others—trying to implement a “no-disagreement” policy, or just an avoidance of any conflict at all. Peacemaking is harder than that. Peacemaking requires time, energy, and empathy. For all the people involved, it utilizes our skills of active listening and intentional learning. It demands a willingness to change our thinking and suspend some of our previous conclusions. It may necessitate a compromise of actions and planning. Peacemaking involves much prayer and tenderness, confession and humility. Peacemaking is on-going discipleship—encouraging each other, building up each other, and loving each other beyond politeness or mere civility. It is self-sacrificing and generous. Peacemaking changes us, our emotional tensions, and our mental wellbeing. It changes our workplaces, our churches and our homes. Peacemaking changes the world to become more like the kingdom of heaven.

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Make peace. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.

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