Jesus tells us in verse 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The Greek word here translated as “peacemakers” is “eirenopoios” [i-ray-nop-oy-os] and it really means “someone who loves peace”, or a “reconciler”, someone who “reconciles” peace in their lives and the lives of others.
Again I am reminded that the truth of Jesus are often upside down. These truths are often beyond the comprehension of those who do not serve Him. Remember how the Beatitudes build upon each other. If the HEART IS PURE–when envy, self-centeredness, greed, and all this other stuff in our lives (if it is being dealt with)–it becomes easy to be peaceable people. Make sense?
IT IS INTERESTING that in the Old Testament the Hebrew word for Peace is “Shalom”. It’s a Jewish greeting and it means basically “a state of being in peace”. The rabbi’s used it as God’s gift for His people. There are different types of peace: Peace within ourselves, Peace with others and Peace with God. To be a “peacemaker” is to “PROMOTE” well being.
1 Corinthians 7:15 (TNIV)
… God has called us to live in peace.1 Peter 3:11 (TNIV)
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.Hebrews 12:14 (TNIV)
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy….Romans 12:18 (TNIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
As we look at the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, indeed, the wisdom of God, it becomes very clear that we should never ourselves seek conflict or be responsible for it. We are called to actively pursue peace. We are to strive for peace with all people. Sounds easy doesn’t it? This is the truth upside down.
One of the keys to being a peacemaker is being at peace within ourselves. May you find peace IN YOUR life…..and be a reconciler that helps others find peace IN THEIR lives…..for you will be called a child of God.