“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Mt 5:9)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is our peace — that is the origin of peace. He made peace between men and God by shedding His blood on the cross. He broke down barriers between men. He is a great peacemaker — He preached peace.

Peacemakers are those who actively seek to end bitterness and bring about reconciliation. Peacemakers are 1) Those who make peace with God. 2) Those who make peace with others. 3) Those who help others to be reconciled. 4) Those who help others to reconcile with God.

Colossians 1:20 reads, “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Thus, we are peacemakers when we make peace with God. Furthermore, we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation. It is our duty to preach the gospel to those separated from God. Not only that, but we have to seek harmony with all men and settle disputes among the brethren. Recognizing that Satan works to destroy peace everywhere, we must work to maintain peace between God and our fellow men.

The book of James talks about two kinds of wisdom. The wisdom of the world causes strife, jealousy, and disharmony. The wisdom from above brings peace and unity. To be a peacemaker is to make peace with others. How can we be a peacemaker? We need to learn from the Bible. What defines peacemakers? Reconciliation, forbearance instead of retaliation, forgiveness, and the restoration of fellowship. True peace is oneness. It is not merely the cessation of hostility, the absence of conflict; it means being one. When a church maintains its rituals and programs, and yet is filled with division, strife, coldness, and resentment, is that a peaceful church? No. Peace is oneness and harmony. God gives us the Holy Spirit to enable us to live a new life of His way. “With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:2-3)

How will peacemakers be blessed? Peacemakers we will obtain the great reward of being called the sons of God. Jesus came to preach peace. Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners, and if we can carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. Therefore, by making peace with God and others, and by preaching the Gospel of peace, we will be called sons of God, because we imitate our Lord and reflect our Father’s character.