“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
There is a difference between keeping the peace, and working for peace. Working for peace in another translation is: “peace maker.” What does it look like to be a maker of peace?
We can all agree that if we see bullying in our school, the right thing to do is to step in and report it to a teacher so that the bullying would stop. I think we can all agree that the wrong thing to do is to do nothing, so that we don’t create conflict. This is the difference between working for peace, and keeping the peace.
Keeping the peace is simply avoiding problems and conflict. But God isn’t asking us in this scripture to keep peace – He is asking for His children to be those who work for peace.
Look at what God promises those who work for peace - He considers them His own children! When we live as citizens of the Upside Down Kingdom, we stand up against what is wrong and we stand for what is right, even if it’s not popular or cool. We make peace, because Jesus is the prince of peace. We do this because we have the spirit of God inside of us, who is the God of justice, righteousness, boldness, and truth.
Are you a worker for peace, or are you a keeper of peace? Do you hang your head down and avoid any kind of conflict at your school amidst bullying or harassment, or do you establish His kingdom wherever you are?
If you would describe yourself as a keeper of peace, let’s repent together and God will forgive you so that you can be a worker for peace instead! Remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Ask Jesus to give you a spirit of boldness so that you can stand up against injustice in your school, and to be more like Him!
Questions for Application
- Do you see anything in your school that you know isn’t good? How can you help make it right?
- What are ways you have seen Jesus make peace happen in really chaotic moments? Both in your personal life, and in the Bible.
- In your own words, what does it mean to be a peacekeeper, and a peacemaker?
- In what ways does Jesus show that being the Prince of Peace isn’t void of conflict and tension?
Prayer
"Father, thank you for allowing me to be a child of God. Help me to act like a child of God by being a worker for peace, so that others can feel loved and accepted everywhere I go. Give me the courage to speak up against injustice or bullying at my school, and to stand up for what is right, even if it is unpopular or cool.”