Matthew 5:9
Laercio Mazaro
Introduction
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." The blessings are given to those who make peace, and not only on the peace lovers. How happy is he who promotes just and wise relationships among men, because their actions are the work of God.
- It's the seventh beatitude.
- It was not directed only to the disciples, but also to all those who were present. It crossed centuries and came to us. It is directed to us living today.
- You will only become a peacemaker if you are fulfilling the requirements of the previous beatitudes. The poor in spirit; they that mourn; the meek; those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; the merciful; the pure in heart.
It is impossible to be a peacemaker (as Jesus was), unless the peace of God that exceeds all understanding dwells in our heart and our mind. We are called to be peacemakers as was Jesus.
Definition of the word "Peacemaker"
"He who makes peace." It's the person who searches for all means in the world through which he can make people happy. They are much needed in the world.
The United Nations is determined to keep peace in the world. Sometimes that is achieved. Other times, things continue unchanged.
Peace is much more than the absence of war or conflicts. It is integrity, prosperity, and well being, of loving harmony, which promotes positive and constructive relationship. It's all that contributes to the welfare of man. True peace is an active influence of divine mercy and love. Peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It does not depend on external circumstances to be part of our lives.
In some parts of the Orient when people meet they greet each other wishing peace. Shalom in Hebrew means peace, happy relationship, communion and fraternity.
Who is related to peace?
God. God is called the "God of peace." God is the source of peace. Peace is a fundamental quality of His being.
God took the initiative to establish peace between himself and man. Being sinners we are reconciled with God.
Jesus. Christ's mission was to restore the peace that sin had destroyed. Isaiah prophesied with these words: "The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" Isaiah 53:5.
Christ is our peace. He is the Prince of Peace. When the angels announced that Christ was born, the heavenly host sang in the plains of Bethlehem: "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward men" Luke 2:14.
Christ said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" John 14:27. Whoever accepts Christ in their life will have peace.
Allow Jesus to fill your heart with peace. You will become the happiest person in the world. All those who love Jesus will experience a change in life. The peace that Christ places in the heart is very well seen in the attitude. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 5:1. Christ's redemptive work is contained in the word "Peace."
This peace that the world can't give should help us overcome all fear and give us courage to surmount all adverse circumstances.
What is the miracle of Christ's peace? It's peace despite tempests. It's a peace deeply rooted that no external circumstances can disturb it.
The fruits of peace
Jesus' peace yields three types of fruits, peace at three levels:
1. Peace with God.
2. Peace with ourselves the heart will not be full of frustrating contradictions.
3. Peace with others. Peace will be shown in our relationship and we'll love others. We'll cultivate goodwill toward others. We'll smooth all misunderstandings. It's natural that we will not always have peace with everybody.
Paul counsels us to live in peace with all as far as it is possible. There are individuals who like to always be in conflicts, to provoke quarrels and difficulties.
What should be our posture? Not to depend on people. We must be at peace with everybody. You cannot control the behavior, thoughts or actions of someone else. But you can, despite all that, use your influence to calm an otherwise tense situation.
You can refuse to take sides. Do all within your power and when you know you did it you will be at peace with God and with yourself.
Conclusion
Strive to prevent family feuds. Strive to prevent divisions in the church, or misunderstandings among the members. We should be able to live together.
We live in a world separated by walls, fences, social classes, races, cultures and riches, which separate us one from the other. We must be united in Christ Jesus.
We must do our part to become peacemakers. As Christians we cannot expect everything to be peaceful. If peace were broken, I must be sure that it wasn't my fault.
We must pray for peace. Strive for peace. Show interest in activities that contribute to peace in society.
You must be a facilitator in the process to establish unity between God and His separated children.
Christ's followers are sent to the world with the message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ, whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 28). To be a Christian is to be a peacemaker. Always search for peace.
Laercio Mazaro is secretary of the West Paulista Association. Translated by Antonio A. Rios.
