“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt 5:9)

Matthew 5:9 is part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches his followers important lessons for those citizens of the Kingdom of God. Here, Jesus instructs his followers that peacemaking are blessed and God recognizes them as his children. Why is peacemaking important?

Have you ever witnessed a big fight between friends or family members at your Christmas celebration? Maybe someone brought up an unpopular politcal opinion or some resentment stemming from unpaid debts after one family member loaned money to another. Oftentimes these real life scenarios not only spoil our day but sour relationships that should be lifelong bonds.

You could be the only Christian at your Christmas gathering and could be looked to in settling these differences. Why might that be?

The only other time in the New Testament the term “preacemaker” is found is in Colossians 1:20 where the Apostle Paul teaches that Christ brings peace through his sacrifice on the cross. His blood reconciles people to God and those people should reconcile with others. In Christ we find peace and by the power of Christ we seek to make peace with others and our community. When you experience the peace of Christ in your life you are able to properly work towards peace in your community.

As one commentator suggests, “Jesus has in mind here primarily the healing of divisions in the community, so the primary thrust is reconciliation in the church (Jas 3:18) and then between the church and the world (Mark 9:50; Rom 12:18; 1 Pet 3:11).” Christians are healers of community seeking to apply the balm of salvation and Good News to the world. That good news includes the forgiveness of sins and wrongdoings. Jesus calls us to make peace not instigate war or division.

Written by Pastor Erik Reynolds (Refuge Church)