A Look at the Beatitudes: The Peacemakers

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The seventh of eight beatitudes JESUS spoke to His disciples in Matthew 5 is “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Bible definition

The New Testament Greek eirénopoios used in Matthew 5:9 translates as “peacemaking” or a “peacemaker.” 

In part, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines “peacemakers” as follows: In classical Greek a "peacemaker" was an ambassador sent to treat of peace. The word in Matthew 5:9 would, perhaps, be better rendered "peace-workers," implying not merely making peace between those who are at variance, but working peace as that which is the will of the God of peace for men.

Biblical scholars find only one other place in the New Testament where the same Greek work is used, but in a slightly different form, –“…and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” Colossians 1:20  

Who are peacemakers?

Barnes' Notes on the Bible commentary on the seventh beatitude characterizes JESUS’ peacemaker in part as follows:  “Those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties, and to prevent lawsuits and hostilities in families and neighborhoods…There ought not to be unlawful and officious interference in that which is none of our business …Friends, neighbors, people of influence, lawyers, physicians, ministers of the gospel, may do much to promote peace.”

Conflict is prevalent in  our world and GOD’s WORD is clear that His children ought to be other and work for peace and peacemaking, within the body of Christ as well as with our fellow-men:

• Live in harmony with one another…Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:16-21. 
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15
• Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11
• So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19
• …be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
• Pursue peace with all men,…Hebrews 12:14

Peace is one of GOD's characters (Romans 15:33, Hebrews 13:20, Philippians 4:7) and we are most like GOD our Father when we imitate his character and do what He does.

Blessedness of peacemakers

CHRIST as PRINCE of PEACE (Isaiah 9:6) is the only true peacemaker to have walked among us on earth.

Before CHRIST returned to the Father HE imparted His peace to those who would become the children of GOD: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27; and by His death on the cross, He reconciled us back to GOD, the Father who in turn gave us CHRIST’s ministry of reconciliation: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

We are CHRIST’s ambassadors for peace on earth to show others how to be reconciled back to the Father, and JESUS tells us that we are blessed o bee called children, or sons, of GOD for it.

Only GOD’s children have His character, and only GOD’s children can bring the peace of knowing God to others.

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

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Abba Father, our LORD and our GOD whose love for us never  fails, YOU are the GOD of our peace. We thank you for JESUS CHRIST our PRINCE of PEACE by whose Spirit we are taught to be ambassadors of peace in YOUR Kingdom and take delight in serving others and show them how to be reconciled again to YOU. Father we love YOU. YOU deserve all praise, all honor and all glory. May we desire to be more like YOU every day. May YOUR peace equip us with everything we need to do what is pleasing in YOUR sight, through JESUS CHRIST, to whom be glory forever and ever. We ask all things in HIS Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile