In this installment of the beatitude series, we delve in to seventh beatitude in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
1. What Is the Meaning Of Peace?
The term “peace” is derived from the Hebrew word “Shalom.” However, Shalom represents more than just the lack of conflict or a ceasefire between opposing parties. It embodies a broader concept, reflecting a personal state of harmony, completeness, wholeness, success, prosperity, health, and even the cultivation of positive relationships.
This form of peace is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Jesus, as noted in John 14:27: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Thus Jesus meant that his divine peace keeps our mind and heart at harmony regardless the external circumstances the we find ourselves in.
In Galatians 5:22, peace is identified as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit resides within us, one of the signs of His presence is indeed peace. Jesus graciously bestowed this gift upon us so that we can remain undisturbed by the challenges and turmoil of the world around us. He understood that troubles would arise, yet He provided us with peace of mind and heart, allowing us to stay internally unshaken.
2. How Do Peacemakers Look Like?
Jesus exemplified the essence of a peacemaker, as he is referred to as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. His life embodied wholeness, reflecting the fullness of God within him; he never experienced lack and consistently succeeded in fulfilling his earthly mission despite the challenges and opposition he encountered during his time.
He truly exemplified peace while aboard the boat with his disciples, even falling asleep amidst a fierce storm outside. This illustrates that true peace remains unaffected by external circumstances. As long as Jesus is by our side, we have no reason to fear.
The disciples woke Jesus in their fear as the storm continued to rage around them. In Mark 4:35, he proclaimed, “Peace, be still!” and instantly the storm calmed. Thus, as long as we have Jesus by our side, we can transform our external circumstances to reflect our inner peace.
Peacemakers have the power to align that which is without to that which is within through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had life and power of God in him, whenever there was sadness caused by death, he rose the dead back to life. Whenever there was confusion, he as the living word gave insight and understanding to the Scriptures and more.
Likewise, believers ought to follow Jesus’ as an example by being peacemakers, this includes establishing the order of heaven, here on earth. We are God’s agents on earth who can make earth experience the reality of the Kingdom of God, through us, God’s will is manifested here on earth.
3. How To Become A Peacemaker
This article follows from the 6th beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Being a peacemaker follows from having a pure heart, when our hearts is washed by the blood to be made pure, it allows for the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, to reside in us. As this occurs, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace. Our spiritual state of peace should reflect outwardly into to physical realm through the power of the Holy Spirit, this is the essence of what it means to be a peacemaker
4. What Is Not A Peacemaker
Anything that does not bring life and peace is not of God. Because letting the Holy Spirit control our lives leads to life and peace (Romans 8:8). In fact, Jesus cautioned us about this, in John 10:10 saying, “The thief’s purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
5. Peacemakers Blessed To Be Called Children Of God
Children of God are characterized by peacemaking. This does not only refer to the cessation of conflicts, but also the promotion of love in hostile environments. Also harmony and wisdom in areas of distress and confusion through the power of the Holy Spirit. For it is through the Holy Spirit present in us and producing the fruit of peace that we are deemed children of God (2 Corinthians 1:22).
6. Final Remarks
Being a peacemaker originates from possessing a pure heart. A pure heart is one that has been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, allowing God’s presence to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit. Among the many gifts of the Holy Spirit is peace.
This feeling of wholeness, harmony, fruitfulness, and contentment is so profound within us that it radiates outward, shaping our external environment and identifying us as children of God.
Add a Comment