Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” during the Beatitudes section of his Sermon on the Mount.  This got me wondering what exactly a peacemaker does, which then made me ponder about the true definition of peace.  I came up with seven possible types of peace, and I am sure someone else could add a few more.  Here they are:

So, what is a peacemaker?  I believe a peacemaker is simply someone who helps others find peace.  This can take a variety of forms and actions based on which type of peace the peacemaker is trying to bring about for the other person.

We have all seen people acting as peacemakers.  I will give you a few of my personal examples.  Every time I visit my mother at Harrison Springs, I see peacemakers – the caring staff, other family members, and even the residents.  The peacemaking comes in many forms:  a loving touch, a kind word, settling a dispute, asking a resident to join you at your table if he/she has no family members attending a family function, acting as an audience for someone who wants to share life stories, giving some reassuring words when someone seems agitated or confused, lending a hand at mealtime on days when they are understaffed…the list goes on and on.  On another note, the staff at Harrison Springs brings me peace just knowing that my mother is safe and surrounded by such caring people.

Sometimes, a peacemaker’s role can be quite stressful.  For example, when two or more people are in conflict, a peacemaker might serve as an unbiased, non-judgmental mediator.  This is a tough position in which to be, especially if the peacemaker has a prior relationship with at least one of those in conflict.  When faced with this type of situation, it is helpful to remember that the verse does NOT say “Blessed are the favor-makers” or “Blessed are the judges.”

Another difficult situation arises when we are called to bring someone peace because they are living a life of sin.  In this case, the peacemaker must gently (again without bias or judgment) guide the person to confess and repent of their sins.  The peacemaker will only be successful if he/she has a loving, close relationship with the person whom they are helping.

Lastly, we all know at least one person whose very presence brings peace and a sense of calm to whatever room they enter.  Their inner peace is contagious, and it is most certainly founded on their faith in Jesus Christ and their ability to trust that He, the greatest peacemaker of all time, will always care for them.

This brings me to my final thought, the second half of verse 9 – “for they will be called children of God.”  The “rewards” in most of the other Beatitudes are very logical.  If you hunger or thirst, you will be filled; if you mourn, you will be comforted; if you are merciful, you will be shown mercy; etc.  However, I had to ponder on the reward for the peacemakers to truly understand it.  Being called a child of God is the greatest reward of all, at least in my opinion.  So, here are my thoughts as to why this reward is given to the peacemakers.  As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Jesus is the greatest peacemaker of all time.  So, those who model Jesus’ behavior will gain a similar status of being a child of God.

Well, I have really enjoyed writing this blog.  It has made me aware and appreciative of all the peacemakers in my life.  I am truly surrounded by a lot of God’s children.