“Blessed are the peacemakers” (11/8/2021)

(Note: this is the eighth in a series of 10 articles on the Beatitudes in Christian Life)

Jesus told the crowds gathered on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” This particular beatitude carries a special message for us because of the human tendencies toward escalating division and hostile tensions. Jesus reminds us that the LORD created us as children of God, in the LORD’s image and likeness, to be whole and holy, to be united though diverse.

Being called to be peacemakers, Jesus appeals to us to be seekers of what unites us rather than what divides us. We are called to look for the paths that bring us and our diverse gifts together. We are all created by the same LORD. Is it not reasonable, even logical, that there is a way for us all to thrive together if we seek to live our uniqueness lovingly, seeking the well-being of the other as well as our own?

If the peacemakers will be called children of God, does it not also make sense that the children of God will be peacemakers? We are all children of God. We are all called to be peacemakers, as well. We are called from the beginning of time, from our very conception, to live as Children of God and to recognize the other as also Children of God. We may look different, speak different languages, possess different gifts. However, can’t we see that we are but a “part” of the divine design and plan, a part of the mosaic of life and love, not the entirety of it?

The LORD calls us to discern our gifts and our purpose and to daily journey toward the fullness of both. But the LORD also calls us to do this in a world in while we are not alone. Part of the gift of the LORD to all of us is the diversity of creation, especially humanity. Part of our purpose is to discern how to bring our specific gifts into play with the gifts of others to bring glory and praise to our LORD.

While being a “peacemaker” conjures up the idea of one who is opposed to hostile and aggressive behavior. But there is more to being a peacemaker than simply not “going to war.” Being a peacemaker demands being a uniter, for “shalom” or peace is not just the absence of war, but the existence of holy unity.

Until tomorrow, love well.