Blessed are the peacemakers | Matthew 5:9

*Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."*

Peace is a commodity far above monetary value and sadly something we don't appreciate until it's gone. But our verse is not about peace but about those who make it. Peace is the absence of strife, and it doesn't happen by chance. It is the result of peacemakers.

*Real Peace Comes from Jesus*

Peacemakers are those who have actual peace, which can only be found in Jesus Christ. There are counterfeit peaces out there offered by other religions, self-righteousness, or assumed stability in this life, but all these are false peace that fades away—some in this life but all in the life to come. Real peace comes from Jesus, who came and made peace for us. He was the first peacemaker: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Christ could have never made peace between us and God except that He had peace with God, and so it is with peacemakers—we cannot make something we do not possess ourselves.

*Making Peace Takes Effort*

The natural tendency of this world is strife. Like thorns and thistles, issues arise whether we want them to or not—it is a byproduct of the curse of fallen man. But like the diligent farmer who stays on top of his weed problem, so are the peacemakers who are always addressing the issue of strife arising in our lives. Strife is best dealt with at the root level: the heart. A peacemaker keeps a constant check on his heart to be sure there is no bitterness, strife, or some other ailment of the soul arising, and as soon as it does, he mortifies it—that is, kills it.

Not only in our hearts but in our relationships, we must keep short accounts. As soon as an issue arises, we must deal with it. So keeping peace is a willful effort, but one that is worth every ounce of effort involved.

*They Shall Be Called the Children of God*

Here is the blessing of the peacemaker: "They shall be called the children of God." When we make peace, we imitate our Maker and represent Him well. He came and made peace with us. He made peace at a very high price. He offered peace on terms we could meet, and He footed the bill for the debts incurred by our sinfulness. So, are we willing to make peace? It won't happen naturally. Will you go to the offending party and make terms? Will you suffer loss for the sake of peace? If you will, then you will be like your Lord, and you shall be called the children of God. There is no higher honor than glorifying your Lord. It was to that end you were created, saved, and soon glorified. Surely, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.