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One of the topics we hear a great deal about is peacemaking. Palestinians and Israelis are still trying to find that elusive peace. There’s talk of peace all around us, and some are hopeful that we might really have peace in this world.
Every Christian should be a peacemaker. We are called to be peacemakers. Jesus said that people who make peace are blessed, and will be called “children of God.” Are you a peacemaker?
I’m sure you have many opportunities to make peace, if you recognize them and take advantage of them. Parents know that making peace between children is a part of our job description. From their earliest days, our children manage to disrupt the peace—get into arguments, cause discord, aggravate each other. And we find ourselves in the role of peacemaker.
No doubt many of you work in situations where a peacemaker is needed. Are little feuds going on in your workplace right now? Does one of your coworkers refuse to speak to another one? What could you do to make peace in that situation? Think about it. With prayer you most likely can do something to help settle that small war.
How can we make peace? Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” One thing we can do to be a peacemaker is not to spread the bad things we 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 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.
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.