9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 (NASB)

Peace

Peace, by definition is, “a state of tranquility or quiet – such as freedom from civil disturbance; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations” (merriam-webster.com/).

God’s peace

Philipians 4:6-7 tells us there is a kind of peace from God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This is a peace that can calm fears in the midst of a storm – physical storms but especially spiritual and emotional storms. When we choose to examine our hearts to see what is causing anxiety, as we pray to overcome that sin of worry and plead with God and trust Him to provide what we need, this amazing peace will comfort and keep our souls.

Jesus gives us this peace: “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” (John 14:27) Jesus, Himself, is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Peacemaker

So a peace-maker is one who creates or facilitates this peace. Such a person will practice Philippians 4:6-7 and themselves be at peace. This will then allow them to be a maker of peace. As we studied Genesis, we came across an unlikely peacemaker – Esau. His actions are a simple example of peacemaking – between people. For a more extensive discussion on how to be a peacemaker, consider this link to Peacemaker Ministries. 

One of the results of making peace is to produce righteousness. “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18)

Son of God

Another result of being a peacemaker is to be called a son (or child) of God as our be-attitude tells us. Jesus is The Son of God. John tells us in 1 John 3:1 that we too are children of God: “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him.” 

He has adopted us as His children. We were slaves, slaves to sin. But when we become followers of Christ, we are adopted. “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters…7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-5, 7)

So as an adopted child of God, we have a full inheritance into all that He has. We’re not talking about perishable things like silver and gold, but imperishable, eternal.

RЯeflection

• Are you a peace-maker or a peace-breaker? Is the Spirit speaking to you as you read this? Confess and ask for help to become a peacemaker. 
• Where is your mind focused day to day? Is it on earthly things or heavenly? Consider deeply who you are as a follower of Christ; you are a child of God.