Peacemaking

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a peacemaker. In a world filled with offended people, choosing to make peace is a much needed skill and gift, to others and to ourselves.

Peacemakers seek to be the first to forgive. They don’t wait for the other person or the offending party to say, “I’m sorry,” before they extend grace.

Peacemakers focus on their own responsibility in peacemaking. While they may understand what others have done wrong, that’s not their focus. They don’t point a finger in judgment. Their goal is to glorify God, even if no one else is glorifying Him.

Peacemakers know there is blessing in peacemaking. They know blessing may not come immediately or even in this life. But they seek after God’s will in peacemaking, knowing there will certainly be a blessing that comes when they see Christ face-to-face.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Peacemakers know there is a difference between peacemakers and peacekeepers. Peacemakers aren’t afraid to speak in love when problems call for it, but they carefully choose when to speak and when not to speak. They know peacemaking does not mean overlooking problems or acting like everything is perfect, while ignoring sin or conflict.

Peacemakers aren’t puffed up with pride, demanding to be heard because they know they are right and want justice. Neither are they wallflowers that shrink back in fear trying to keep a false peace that isn’t worth keeping. They operate from inner strength and are guarded by humility. They know God loves and sees them. When they move into conflict, they do so with a heart of reconciliation, a heart to glorify God, and a heart to see love win.

Peacemakers don’t unnecessarily rush into conflict and create more problems. They aren’t relational pot stirrers. They also know that believers aren’t supposed to talk about someone to gossip, but talk with someone to solve a problem. They know that operating from assumptions without going to the person is divisive and cooperating with the devil. And they know that sometimes they must have hard conversations in a godly way.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).