Blessed are the peacemakers

This article was originally posted by Diego Gomes to his blog. You can read more at www.diegogomes.blog

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

In the frantic pace of today’s world, we all long—though often unconsciously—for the mental tranquility necessary for a healthy life. Amid the deafening noise of modern society, we must learn to cultivate the inner silence that calms both mind and soul.

In a humanity fractured by hatred, where nations clash in power struggles masked as “world peace” through false humanitarian rhetoric, peacemakers are essential people capable of making a difference.

However, there is a misunderstanding about peace in the lives of many modern Christians, which often leads to confusion between being peaceful and being passive or between being peaceful and being apathetic. A passive person avoids conflict, while a peacemaker confronts conflict to transform it into reconciliation.

Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who avoid problems”, but rather: blessed are those who promote peace—those who create environments where God’s peace reigns. Being a peacemaker means being proactive, working to establish peace both in environments and in relationships.

True peace does not come from the absence of problems but from the presence of Jesus. He is the divine source of all peace. Indeed, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus’ mission as the Prince of Peace was to restore communion between God and humanity: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).

Jesus not only brought us peace—He gave us His peace: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)

The peace that comes through Christ does not depend on circumstances; it depends on surrender. It is a stillness in the soul, a mental rest, a work of the Holy Spirit within us.

This true peace, unlike the peace promoted by governments or the media, does not depend on external circumstances to exist; it is an inner reality to be enjoyed regardless of the situation.

As sons and daughters of God, we are called to live the gospel of peace—and to carry that peace wherever we go: “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

A peacemaker values relationships more than being right. They choose reconciliation even when the ego craves revenge. They decide to cultivate forgiveness, even when there are valid reasons to be offended.

Peace is, in essence, the renunciation of the ego and the choice to please God’s heart rather than be right before men.

However, peace has another enemy besides the ego: the devil.

Jesus was clear: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) Satan destroys peace in two ways:

First, within us: promoting anxiety, fear, and confusion. The apostle Peter, for example, was influenced by the devil to try to divert Jesus from His purpose, speaking out of fear, not faith:“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23)

The solution for inner peace is described in Philippians 4: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Through prayer, we can access the fullness of the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven to be enjoyed in our inner being: peace, righteousness, and joy through the Holy Spirit.

Our enemy also works to undermine peace in our relationships: sowing offense, resentment, and division. He uses cursed words, impulsive gestures, and bitter hearts; he never ceases to cast the bait of offense to hook us into destructive fights and arguments.

Jesus, however, gave us the antidote to offense and the path to peace: forgiveness.

He taught us to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven…” (Matthew 6:12). He also promised us: “For if you forgive… your Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14-15).

The truth is, as long as we are human, offenses will come. The good news, however, is that we can choose not to remain hurt. Jesus gave us the example of practicing forgiveness when He prayed for His offenders from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34).

A peacemaker learns to live with a shielded heart—not through indifference, but through love. By developing a heart shielded against offense, they are empowered to be agents in God’s army, working to promote peace in relationships and environments.

Practically, we promote peace when we handle conflicts in relationships. With those who do not yet believe in Jesus, we strive to maintain our testimony. We are not passive, but we choose to be peaceful. We confront with respect, without attacking people. If necessary, we yield because we do not want to prolong unnecessary conflict (Matthew 5:39-41).

With brothers and sisters in faith, we have greater freedom, and therefore, we speak the truth in love. We address issues and do not “sweep problems under the rug,” because pretending peace by ignoring hurts and problems is not peace—it’s theater.

By choosing peace, we are seeking restoration, not revenge. Reconciliation will only be possible if both sides want it, but the responsibility to try will always be ours:“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Hebrews 12:14).

A peacemaker becomes an active enemy of the disturber of peace, Satan. We fight for peace in prayer, in promoting forgiveness, and when we exercise the ministry of reconciliation.

Being a peacemaker is manifesting the nature of the Father. In Acts, the disciples were called Christians because they resembled Christ (Acts 11:26). Jesus prayed that we would learn to live in peace:“That they may be one… so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” (John 17:21)

The promise is that peacemakers will be called children of God. The word used for “children” in Matthew 5:9 is the Greek word huios—which means those who are like the Father. The huios children are those with spiritual maturity.

Peacemakers are not only recognized as children of God—they reflect the Father’s character to the world.

Have you been promoting peace—or merely reacting to conflicts? Does your language, posture, and decisions reflect the heart of God or feed chaos? Perhaps today is the day to repent and take up your responsibility as a soldier in God’s Kingdom, being an ambassador of peace in your relationships and in the environments where you have influence.

Today’s Prayer:Father, I want to be called Your child—and to look like You.Give me a heart that is not easily offended.Make me someone who carries Your peace and spreads Your reconciliation.May my life promote unity, forgiveness, and healing wherever there are wounds.Teach me to walk with my feet fitted with the gospel of peace. Amen.