Are You a Peacemaker or a Peacekeeper?

February 03, 2023

By Brooke Holt

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

In 2010, my husband was certified as a mediator through the training of an organization called Peacemakers. It made for quite an interesting year for our family! Part of the certification process required that aspirants officially mediate conflicts. As you can imagine, in a family of five, we had plenty of opportunities for mediation!

One of my greatest take-aways from this season of Charlie’s training is that peacekeeping and peacemaking differ. Whereas peacekeeping often entails denial of situations and feelings, the process of peacemaking requires that participants move out of denial and acknowledge their feelings. Peacemaking is like a bandage that is ripped off exposing the wound so the process of healing can begin.

Jesus calls his listeners to this in today’s scripture. He wants people who will be instruments of peacemaking and not just peacekeeping. Currently, our world is characterized by polarization and contention. Is there any hope for a peacemaker? Jesus’ world was not much different, and yes – you can be a peacemaker through the work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus died that you may be set free from the bondage of sin and be fully reconciled to the heavenly Father. He offers you full forgiveness and calls you to receive that forgiveness and then to extend it to others. The only way to become a peacemaker is to recognize where conflict exists in your life or the lives of people around you. Once these things have been brought into the light, you can engage the challenges with the grace, love, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. It is not easy work, but it is the work of the sons and daughters of God.

Peacemaking is also a work of the Spirit. When you rely on the Holy Spirit and allow him to guide you in this much needed work of peacemaking, you will indeed be blessed as will those with whom you interact. May you begin this blessed work today!

Reflection:

Have you been more of a peacemaker or peacekeeper? In what situations can you bring the work of a peacemaker today through the grace, love, and forgiveness of Jesus? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.