Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. When he called them they found their peace, for he is their peace. But now they are told that they must not only have peace but make it. And to that end they renounce all violence and tumult.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Now peacemaking is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation. … It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the particular blessing which attaches to peacemakers is that "they shall be called sons of God." For they are seeking to do what their Father has done, loving people with his love.
John R. W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount
Being a peacemaker is part of being surrendered to God, for God brings peace. We abandon the effort to get our needs met through the destruction of enemies. God comes to us in Christ to make peace with us; and we participate in God's grace as we go to our enemies to make peace.
Glen H. Stassen and David P. Gushee, Kingdom Ethics
In your life, where is there need for peace and reconciliation? As a parent, at least part of the day is spent in helping siblings to become reconciled to each other. As a minister, I hear many stories of family conflict that need God's peace. At work, at school, at home, in our communities, in our own hearts, we all need peace. Not the peace that is simply an ending to hostility. The peace that comes from God comes with greater insight to the needs of those outside ourselves. God's peace calls for all people to live gently with each other, so that all might grow and prosper in grace. Think about the peace that you can offer to others today. Be an intentional reconciler.
Making peace makes us God's children—and kin to each other.
Michael H. Crosby, Spirituality of the Beatitudes
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