Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9 CSB). But what does it truly mean to be a peacemaker in today’s world?
The Call to Be a Peacemaker—What It Means for You
Jesus is the prince of peace. And a peacemaker is someone who enters into the chaos and brings the peace of Christ.[1] Zechariah prophesied about his son, John, promoting God’s peace.
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace” (Luke 1:76–79 NLT).
Promote God’s Peace
I promote peace when I allow Him to have His way and rule—when I humbly submit to His authority. I cannot coerce others to live according to my standards to promote peace, nor should I submit to others’ standards. But God’s Spirit indwells God’s children so they are empowered to foster His peace.
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Rom. 8:6–17 NASB)
More Verses about Being a Peacemaker
There are many more verses in Proverbs that relate to being a peacemaker than could be included in this step. I don’t think you would be surprised to realize that many of them deal with our speech, deceptive behaviors, the miscarriage of justice, anger, fools, and relationships.
Consider these examples of Proverbs’ profound ideas in distilled form. The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble (Prov. 21:23 CSB). Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—discerning, when he seals his lips (Prov. 17:28 CSB). To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out (Prov. 17:14 CSB). A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends (Prov. 16:28 CSB). A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife (Prov. 15:18 CSB). A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible (Prov. 12:16 CSB).
Of course, a comprehensive understanding of a peacemaker emerges throughout scripture.
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. (James 3:6–10 NASB)
God Creates and Provides Peace
We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. (2 Cor. 1:12 NLT).
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ (2 Cor. 1:3–5 NLT).
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor. 13:11 ESV). Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Heb. 13:20–21 NASB).
Continue to explore the biblical call to promote peace by surrendering to Christ’s authority, guarding your speech, and being led by the Spirit rather than the flesh. Uncover how true peace comes from God and how we can reflect His peace in our lives.
May you be encouraged in your journey of spiritual growth.
More Steps to Spiritual Maturity
Dive deeper into As a Little Child: Conversations with the Father 10 Steps to Spiritual Maturity with these posts:
- Spiritual Maturity Step 1: Connect to God’s Word
- Spiritual Maturity Step 2: Fear the Lord
- Spiritual Maturity Step 3: Experience Forgiveness of Sins
- Spiritual Maturity Step 4: Choose Righteousness
- Spiritual Maturity Step 5: Depend on God
- Spiritual Maturity Step 6: Accept Discipline
- Spiritual Maturity Step 7: Be Humble
- Spiritual Maturity Step 9: Enjoy Worship
- Spiritual Maturity Step 10: Be Faithful
Discover the heart of childlike faith! As a Little Child: Conversations with the Father by Melanie D. Lewis is available as an ebook and course through DDCommunity Institute.
Grow deeper in your walk with Christ. Learn how DDCommunity Institute equips Christian leaders for transformative ministry.
[1] Tara-Leigh Cobble, The Bible Recap (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2020), 670.
