Peace Makes Friends

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

Have you ever had a friend that you just completely trusted to always be there in the good times and the bad? Someone who has made the good times feel so much better and the bad times not feel as bad? My guess is you are so thankful for that person? These special friends are the peacemakers in our life. They are the ones who encourage us to make the right choice, but don’t judge us when we make the wrong one. They help us not to beat ourselves up when our life is a mess because of the choices we’ve made. If we are honest with ourselves we understand that a big part of who we become is determined by who we have around us. 

As I think about how another person’s genuine love for me has played a big role in the direction of my life and where I would be without it, I become very thankful. Many times when people question if God exists, they base their feelings on the hate and injustice that we see in our imperfect world. However, how many times has something good happened to you, or for you, and it makes you say the words “thank God”? As I think about the type of peacemakers Jesus was referring to in this passage, I think about the people who calm the storms in our life. Peace is experienced in many ways. Sure, it can be the resolution of a conflict, but it can also be a quiet reassurance that things will be ok even in the face of conflict. 

Jesus called us to be a people of love. To let love be the defining quality of our character. Jesus went on to say that our love for people will be how people recognize us as followers of Him. What can be more loving than helping someone through a difficult period in their life? Helping them find peace in the midst of chaos. It’s the presence of love  in the world that points us to the idea that God exists. 

The Bible says that God is shaping us into the likeness of His Son. We equate this to mean that we are being molded to look more like Jesus. This is true but I would also suggest that the Bible is saying that believers of Christ have become sons/daughters, and now we are being transformed to look like children of God. As the old saying goes “like father, like son”. 

Jesus was the ultimate peace maker in His ability to bring about peace in every situation and circumstance, and He calls on us to continue what He started. Jesus understood that the actions of the child are always a reflection of the parents and God is our father. 

“‭Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬)