Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5 shares the attitudes and dispositions that God desires His children to develop; attitudes and dispositions that He promises will bring us His blessing. One of those dispositions is to be a peacemaker.

It’s important to note that being a peacemaker is not the same thing as being a push-over.

God is very clear that He does not give His children a spirit of fear; God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). He also tells us to be strong and courageous because He is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

How do we seek peace then without being pushy or a push-over?

Avoiding conflict by not starting conflict helps, but sometimes we have no choice but to be involved, especially when we know something that we see or hear goes against God’s teaching or His will. There are most definitely times to stand up and say something and times to stand up and do something. And in those times we must act in love and with the intention of lifting others up (which is another devotion all in itself).

Resolving conflict peacefully requires patience, understanding, and a grace-filled heart. Traits that don’t come naturally to most and that are not promoted in today’s selfish and easily affronted society.

Ephesians 4:2 reminds us to:

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

God reminds us that we have flaws and so we must make allowances for the flaws of others. That doesn’t mean we sit by and let people drown in the mess of their sin or watch that mess overflow and harm other people. It means that just as Christ loved us despite our sin, we must love others despite their sin for as the Word reminds us, “all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Loving someone requires that we forgive them, help them, guide them, pray for them, pray with them, be engaged in their lives and focused on their needs. We don’t condemn them, call them names, or verbally berate them. We don’t cast the first stone or any stone.

Where do we find the traits that go against most of what society’s “wisdom” says is ok so that we can be the peacemakers God desires?

• In Christ, the only one to ever to live a sin free life.

• In Christ, the Son of God, who laid down His life that we might live.

Dear heart, reflecting on God’s love for me and Christ’s sacrifice for me really helps me look at others with more compassion and understanding. It helps me remember that despite all my flaws, my shortcomings, my poor decisions, my time away from God, that Christ covered me with grace when I accepted Him 30 years ago.

I am grieved by the years that I wandered away and in the present times when I am thoughtless, hurtful, proud, selfish, or just not doing things God’s way. I am thankful that God has revealed my conflict with Him, called me back to Him, forgiven my disobedience and restored me to fellowship each and every time.

How could I ever call myself a follower of Christ if I don’t seek to be a peacemaker by extending the grace and mercies God has given to me to others?

Brothers and Sisters, why would we choose to live in conflict with or condescension toward others when we can allow God’s love and joy to flow through us and build others up?

Beloved, I’m so thankful that God gives us the opportunity every day to love others and to serve others! I am thankful He teaches us to help others find peace in Him!