Are We Peaceful or Peacemakers?

When I looked for the word "peacemaker" on Google Images all that I received were images of revolver handguns.  I'm afraid that might be the way that many people feel that peace is brought about--by completely annihilating another individual.  That is certainly not what Christ was thinking when He said in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." 

Many people consider themselves peaceful people.  After all, they get along with most everyone and they love almost all people.  They hate war and they don't even allow a naughty dog to frustrate them.  Most everyone loves peace.  At times in our lives peace is disrupted, and we may do all we can possibly do to restore that peace--especially in our families.  Striving to just tolerate a poor situation can wear you down after a while.  Relationships that are not peaceful cause us to not want to spend time in the presence of that person. 

It is important to note three things about peace:

1. God has made peace possible through the work of Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  Christ has made it possible to live at peace with God because God has declared us righteous based on the work of Christ.  When God sees us, He sees us dressed in the righteousness of His Son. 
2. Secondly, Paul says about Christ, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility," (Philippians 2:14).  Once again, only because Christ died in our place and has forgiven us, is it possible for us to enjoy sweet relationships with even our enemies.  
3. Thirdly, Christ is not asking us in Matthew 5:9 just to be peaceful people.  He says, blessed are the "peacemakers."  There is a difference.  Christ expects his children to work to bring about peace around them.  This may mean in our homes, work place, or even our churches.  The blessed person works to bring about healthy relationship amongst people who are at odds with one another. 

Living as a peacemaker is a rewarding life to live.  Others will see us as "the sons of God" because it characterizes God Himself.  We begin to look and act like our own Heavenly Father.  Let's pray that God would give us unsettled hearts for relationships that are not healthy and to serve as a healing balm for His glory.