Blessed are the Peacemakers

In the best sermon ever delivered, often referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” or “The Beatitudes,” Jesus considered peace as one of the most important topics by singling out peacemakers for a special relationship with God. Jesus said that blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God, or children of God, depending on the Bible translation. (Matthew 5:9). Many of us call ourselves “children of God,” and that is good news for the Kingdom. As “children of God” or “sons of God,” let’s strive for peace and become peacemakers.

Jesus’ reference to “sons of God” or anything close to it is a big deal. Remember that the Jewish religious leaders were unhappy with Jesus when they perceived him as calling himself “the Son of God.” It was one of the charges they brought against him which led to his crucifixion (John 19:7). Yet, Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” elevated peacemakers to a high level by referring to them as “sons of God.” Of all the people upon whom Jesus pronounced blessings during that sermon, peacemakers were the only ones to whom he ascribed familial relationship with God. Peace is so important to Jesus that when he knew his death was approaching he prepared his disciples for the mission ahead with this blessing: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

The world needs peacemakers because our need for peace has never been greater. Whether we live in Ghana, the U.S., Middle East, Europe, or elsewhere, recent events have shown that peace is under imminent threat and all peace-loving people must wake up, confront ourselves, and resolve to be on the side of peace. In times like these, we need to dig deeper into our human and spiritual resources and take guidance from God and his only begotten Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is noteworthy that haters, bigots, and troublemakers are not honorably mentioned by Jesus in the sermon because hatred, bigotry, and violence have no place among Christians. We need to take ownership of peace, and not leave it to others. I believe that was what Jill Jackson and Sy Miller had in mind when they composed the hymn, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” There are things we can do as individuals to promote peace and become peacemakers. Start with how we think, what we say or write, and what we do.

Our decision to be peacemakers or troublemakers starts with our mindset–how we think. That is why it is important for Christians to have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16). If we have the mind of Christ, we will nurture peaceful thoughts and get rid of violent ideas that creep into our minds. If we have the mind of Christ, we will not see things from the world’s perspective, but from Christ’s because Christ’s view of peace may not be the same as the world’s. Christ’s peace is that which, according to the Apostle Paul, surpasses all human understanding, and which should guard our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7).

Words matter. We can no longer say that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Words, spoken or written, can break more than bones which may sometimes refuse to heal. Words hurt, words create conflict, but words also bless, and words promote peace. It depends on the choices we make. For example, a friend reaches out to you angry that someone has offended him or her. At that point, you have the opportunity to be a peacemaker by using comforting words of forgiveness that calm the nerves, or a troublemaker by using inflammatory language that arouses negative passions of vengeance. With the availability of several recording devices, what we say or write travels a long way or lasts a long time to influence others to promote peace or conflict. Before we say or write anything, we need to pause and think about our words and consider whether they are appropriate for the time and circumstance. It is always appropriate to pray for peace, and for guidance on how to achieve it.

In addition to our thoughts and words, our deeds go a long way to promote peace or conflict. Actions, they say, speak louder than words. The peace that may have been maintained for years could be brutally disturbed by the actions of one person or few individuals. The recent spate of terrorist acts worldwide should be of concern to all of us. That is why all of us need to be vigilant for peace, including doing all we can to help rescue from the inviting arms of the devil those who are on the verge of threatening the peace. A little act of kindness to someone in need may help turn that person away from the path of destruction to the path of peace. If you do that, you will be on your way to becoming a peacemaker, and the world would be better for it.

These things do not come to us naturally. Our natural tendency is to prove that we are better, richer, smarter, stronger, and more powerful than others and so we resolve our differences and conflicts based on those attributes with little or no regard for fairness and justice. We need to draw nearer to God in order to overcome our natural instincts because without fairness and justice, peace is an illusion. It is a struggle. That is why the Apostle Paul urges us to strive to live in peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). It is important for us to periodically perform self-assessment of what we have done to promote peace – peace with our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. Imagine how peaceful the world would be if all “sons of God” or “children of God” think, say, do, and sing peace. Christ is our peace. May the peace of God be with all of us.

Prayer is the key. May God grant us the grace to seek Him daily through our prayers.

Dr. Daniel Gyebi, Attorney-at-Law, Texas, U.S.A., and Founder, PrayerHouse Ministry, Kumasi, Ghana.

PrayerHouse Ministry is dedicated to providing a quiet facility for Christians to pray individually by themselves without any intermediary priest, pastor or any other person. This is a free service. No money is demanded or accepted. One facility is located at Kyerekrom / Fumesua, near Building and Road Research Institute Offices, one mile off the Kumasi-Accra Road and next to a house called Grace Castle. If you are interested, please contact Agnes at 027-7423815. Another is located at Kantinkyiren, at the junction of Kantinkyiren and Konkori, off the Kumasi-Obuasi Road, branching left at Trede junction. Contact Kwadwo at 020-8768461 / 0246-989413.