Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

Peace is what we all want. The world today is crying out for peace. The world is seeking peace in all the wrong places. The problem is the world does not know peace nor how to obtain it. The answer to peace is found in the pages of Scripture. The children of God should be peacemakers. To some of the Jewish people who heard these words, it would have been outrageous. As they expected their Messiah to be a mighty warrior that would lead them into battle against the Romans who occupied the City of Jerusalem. No doubt what Jesus said here contributed to his rejection by the Jews. Jesus is teaching that He is the source of peace and the provider of it. True and real peace can only be found in God.

The world we live in is one of war, conflicts, and battles. This is a result of what is in the heart of man. By nature, we seek to profit by ungodliness and rebellion. Religion does not cause wars and unrest, sin does. Man is the problem, not God. Our sinful desires are at fault. The believer is to be peaceable in his words and conduct. He is to seek peaceful means in the family, assembly, and community. He is to promote reconciliation and prevent conflicts in every situation. Our great Lord sought peace in the most violent time of His earthly ministry. When He was dying on the cross, words of peace passed His lips. His heart was one of peace and mercy towards sinners. All that Jesus preached in the Beatitudes links to the cross and what He did for sinners on that day. Striving for reconciliation is the greatest form of promoting peace. Why should followers of Christ be peacemakers? To show the heart and nature of God.

On the cross, Jesus Christ reconciled sinners to God by dying in their place. Jesus is the great peacemaker. Amid malice and hatred, Christ laid down His life in the most humbling way possible. Matthew 5:9 has been misused in the past to promote pacifism. However, Jesus is not promoting pacifism here, but promoting peace as the goal. As we live in a fallen and sinful world sadly wars are necessary as the last method. Whether or not Christians should take up arms is one of personal conscience before God. Many Christians who feel they cannot take up arms and fight will find solace in joining, the medical side of the battle and helping the injured. This is just as noble and honourable as taking up arms and fighting. There were many Christians who were conscientious objectors in past wars who served in other ways. It is not a sin to be a conscientious objector, but we do all have a role to play.

Here are some helpful questions to consider.

1. Do you have a peaceful heart?
2. Are you seeking peace?
3. Is your conduct that of peace?