In the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). But what does it mean to be a peacemaker?
There are times when my children come over for breakfast, and I become the pancake maker. I fry up the bacon (we crumple up bacon to put in our pancakes), I mix up the pancake mix and prepare a breakfast of pancakes. You could say on those occasions that I am the pancake maker.
But suppose one morning, I prepare the bacon as planned, I mix up the batter and I stand in front of the hot griddle. If I never pour the mix onto the griddle, what am I? Not a pancake maker. I may be called the pancake preparer, the pancake anticipator, even the pancake tease. But not the pancake maker.
When Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, He calls for us to do more than just stay out of trouble and avoid conflict. He calls on us to take action to make peace possible in our world. He calls on us to make a difference in our world.
Jesus’ brother, James, in his letter, writes, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18). In these words, coupled with Jesus’ statement in the Beatitudes, we find the kernel to be a peacemaker.
First, a peacemaker has a certain attitude about him- or herself. If we read the verses immediately in front of James 3:17, we find a contrast between peacemakers and others. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (vs. 13-16).
James lets us know that the person who is caught up in their own desires and ambitions is someone who plants discord and disorder. Rather than being a peacemaker, such a person is a rabble rouser, intent on making and having his or her own way. Such a person will insist on his or her rights, insist on whatever it takes to move their own agenda forward, regardless of the cost or effect it may have on others.
In contrast, James lets us know that the one who walks in God’s wisdom (the wisdom from heaven) is one who lives a good life (good in the eyes of God, not necessarily of men), doing deeds that grow out of the humility that comes from the attitude found in the Beatitudes that Jesus taught. Jesus said the peacemaker will be called the child of God, and the peacemaker will demonstrate his or her Father’s character in the way they live in this world.
James points out that the peacemaker is someone who has a character that loves peace and demonstrates a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ. The elements James lists are all conducive to making peace: being considerate of others, be submissive (not insisting on my rights) and being merciful. A large reason for conflict is when we are wronged, whether intentionally or not. We can take offense, but Jesus demonstrates and commands we forgive those who sin against us (cf. Luke 23:34; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:22-23). This forgiveness is the extension of mercy and a mark of a peacemaker is someone who chooses not to take sides, but instead opts to stand for what is right, what is pure, what is true. James is correct that such a person is a peacemaker.
So, how do I become a peacemaker?
First, don’t go looking for conflict. Again, the attitude of the person James describes in 3:14-16 is the person who walks around with the chip on his or her shoulder, looking for reasons to be offended, usually while feigning the desire to not make trouble. As Paul writes, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18) and, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
Second, we need to go out of our way to end conflict, to make peace. As is so often the case with the call to be one of Jesus’ disciples, being a peacemaker often takes us out of our comfort zone and causes us to do what we would naturally not want to do—getting involved. Going back to James’ warnings about false wisdom, oftentimes being a peacemaker involves us in confronting the bitter envy and selfish ambitions of others. When we get into the act of making peace, we are encouraging others to see beyond their own selfish ambitions and to see the other person with whom they have conflict in a new light. This is true of all forms of conflict in our world.
Conflict usually arises out of one person’s desire to gain something, usually at another person’s expense. Conversely, it can be seen as someone wanting to take something from me. Think of racial equality in our nation. Currently, we are being encouraged to finally confront the systemic racism in our culture. For some, this is a crucial step, necessary to bring about greater freedom and equality to all people in our nation. For others, it is trying to further erode that which they believe to be good and comforting about our nation. To give one person a greater freedom than they have had before implies the reducing of another’s freedom and privilege. Too often, we are not prepared to give up that which we enjoy.
But remember that James tells us the peacemaker is one who is considerate of others, submissive (not insisting on one’s rights) and being impartial and sincere. The person who exhibits such qualities of character will see the wrong in our world and seek to resolve it in a way that is leads to peace and mutual edification, as Paul tells us in Romans.
Conclusion
To be a peacemaker means to be willing to put ourselves “out there” in the name of Christ. It is an aspect of hearing and responding to His calling. Jesus also warns about what it means to bring peace: “Do you think that I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be fine in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Luke 12:51-53).
In other words, the call to be a peacemaker will not be an easy calling, but it is consistent with Jesus and His overall ministry. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The peace He promises is the end of conflict between God and man, through the ministry of atonement and reconciliation found in Christ. We are called to a ministry of reconciliation (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21), and part of that reconciliation is becoming a peacemaker. Such a title is the mark of one who is a child of God.
© 2020 Glynn Beaty