Beatitudes: Peacemakers

Do you value peace?  The Hebrew word for peace is shalom which means wholeness–nothing missing and nothing broken.  Jesus said, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9).  This Scripture tells me that peace does not just happen in this world; we must labor to make peace or bring a needed wholeness.

 I am certainly glad that I have accepted Jesus as my Savior so I can have eternal peace with God.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could enjoy peace with people, too?  One look at the newspaper and it becomes very clear we need an abundance of God’s peace.  For the disciple of Christ, the supernatural peace of God is available.  It’s true.  Jesus told his disciples, “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 reason we can hold onto our peace is because Jesus gave us the Spirit; a Helper. 

 The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are to live in peace, as well as be messengers of the gospel of peace.  It certainly sounds like we are to partner with Christ to bring a kind of restorative wholeness in this world; to release God’s peace into the lives of others.  People can become very confused apart from the love of Christ. Has Christ led you to bring clarity and release the power of peace to places of confusion?   God blesses the person who seeks to bring this loving wholeness to others.  In fact, he calls them His children.