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We seem to be in a time when there is little peace between people. And this contentious cultural atmosphere can easily seep into our everyday lives—into our families and our workplaces, even our churches.
In Matthew 5:9 we read where Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” It is a blessing to be a peacemaker; there is a special reward for those who make peace, not just keep peace. Peacemakers are proactive, confronting situations of discord to promote peace.
Well, if we’re supposed to be peacemakers, how can we make peace? Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” One thing you can do to be a peacemaker is not to spread the bad things you hear or see. Cover up the offense, don’t keep telling everybody else about someone’s mistake or bad behavior. In other words, stop gossiping.
Proverbs 15:1 tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” A peacemaker is a person with gentle words. When someone starts telling you how angry they are at you or someone else, find those gentle words to turn away their wrath. If you throw in a few harsh words of your own, you add to the conflict. Often a tone of voice can make a big difference.
If you know there is strife between two people, what could you do to bring them together, let them air their grievances, and restore peace into that relationship? Don’t be afraid to make that effort; often it just takes one person to make a move and these petty differences can be resolved.
What we need in our world of strife are many peacemakers—people who are willing to make peace in the many small conflicts that surround our daily lives. Ask God to give you that skill, that kind of servant heart, so that you are the peacemaker in your world. When you do, Jesus promises that you will be blessed.