Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Reflections on the Characteristics of a Peacemaker

Currently, at our church, we are spending time with The Sermon on The Mount. (Matthew Chapters 5-7) This past Friday, we gathered with friends to eat pie in honor of Pi Day, dig into, and even wrestle with the words we are currently reading in Matthew Chapter Five.

We discussed and reflected on many things but got stuck for a time on verse 9.

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

When we are concerned about justice and standing firm to what we believe to be true, what does living as a peacemaker look like?

In a time when many of us feel anger and/or grief over things we see happen in our world, being a peacemaker can feel like caving in, giving up part of who we are and what we believe.

As we talked, I remembered words I had written for Advent in 2021 when I was reflecting on the characteristics of peacemakers.

In my research, I found a difference between a Peacekeeper, someone who often compromises to keep the peace, aka avoid conflict, and a Peacemaker, someone who holds their own identity with kindness.

While years have passed since I wrote about being a Peacemaker, now feels as good a time as any to revisit and consider the four characteristics of a peacemaker:

• Peacemakers represent characteristics of love. Attributes like patience, kindness, and not being proud or boastful. They are not self-seeking.

• Peacemakers are not people who avoid conflict at all costs. They welcome disagreement but approach conflict, willing to listen and learn first. They are open-minded, seeking to understand while valuing the truth.

• Peacemakers are proactive in their lives, building relationships and trust. They often show mercy to others, perform acts of kindness, and win their hearts.

• Peacemakers are gentle in spirit; they are calm and slow to anger. They understand emotions are involved and are sensitive to others’ feelings. It does not mean they always agree with everyone; instead, they know how to disagree politely.

While I wish we could sit with coffee or tea and get to know one another better, that isn't always possible. But I'd still love to connect and hear your thoughts.

A Prayer:

Lord,

In this broken and hurting world, let us seek peace for ourselves and be advocates for peace everywhere.

Give us listening ears,

Noticing eyes,

Compassionate hearts,

Open hands,

So that we might find peace and carry that peace to others in our ordinary days.

May we know the peace that comes from you and share that peace with the world.

Amen