Peacemaking Too

Peacemaking Too (Written by guest writer David Peterson)

Jesus continues the Beatitudes as part of His Sermon on the Mount. With His seventh blessing and happy statement, He says in Matthew 5:9:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus is telling us that those who promote God’s peace—His shalom—will receive the great reward of being called sons and daughters of God. These people reflect the very character of their Creator. Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace, and it speaks of total well-being—both personally and communally—for all involved.

As highlighted last week, the author A.W. Tozer once commented that “the blessing of God is promised to the peacemaker.” Tozer cautions us, however, to beware of striving for peaceful outcomes when “darkness and light” are involved. He concludes with this reminder: “Some things are not negotiable.” The idea is that while peacemaking is deeply desired by God, it should never be pursued at the expense of righteousness or in compromise with sin. True peacemaking remains uncompromising regarding God’s Word.

Julia Johnston captured this truth beautifully in her 1899 hymn The Beatitudes. The seventh stanza reads:

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the children of God.

Let me make peace, call me Thy child,

Oh, make me gentle, patient, mild.

Johnston reflects on the blessing that comes to those who actively pursue and preserve peace.

Let us pray: Jesus, Prince of Peace, we ask that You fill us with the Holy Spirit to guide us in extending, promoting, and encouraging peace in every encounter—today and every day. Amen.