"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God." - Matthew 5:9
Reflection
Jesus didn't just call us to have peace—He called us to make peace. There's a profound difference between enjoying peace in our own lives and actively creating it in the lives of others. Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that when Jesus called His followers, they found their peace in Him, but then they were commissioned to make it.
Being a peacemaker means rejecting violence and tumult in all its forms. It means choosing love when others choose hate, responding with kindness when others respond with cruelty. Jesus modeled this perfectly. Even as He hung on the cross, enduring ridicule and harassment, He loved those who persecuted Him. He did good for those who wished Him ill.
As His followers, we're called to do what our Master does. Children imitate their Father. If we claim to be children of God, we must love as He loves and forgive as He forgives. This isn't merely tolerating our enemies—it's actively loving them and doing good to those who hate us. This radical love is what transformed the early church and changed the world.
Reflection Question
Who in your life is most difficult to love right now? What would it look like to actively make peace with them this week?
Action Step
Identify one person you're at odds with and pray for them by name today. Ask God to bless them and soften your heart toward them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for making peace with me through Jesus. Help me to be a peacemaker today, not just someone who enjoys peace. Give me the courage to love those who are difficult to love and to follow Jesus' example in all my relationships. May I be recognized as Your child by my commitment to peace. Amen.
See here to share just this Prayer for Called to Be Peacemakers.
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