Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

I used to think I was a peacemaker. It was a shock when I realized that I wasn’t. I was too afraid to take a stand for righteousness. I despised conflict and feared rejection, so I tried to mend stress around me in any way I could. This is not what Jesus meant when he said peacemakers will be blessed.

If I’m a peacemaker, I will find myself in the center of the stress. I will stand in the tension to bring shalom to the situation. If others are enjoying making disparaging comments about someone, I will defend the one being talked about. I will try to bring gentle words to disarm the anger being expressed.  The Holy Spirit may also nudge me to express displeasure that such a lynching is taking place.

This is not easy.  People love to be angry.  Following Jesus and attempting to restore unity between offending parties can bring attacks from both sides.  It will be said that I’m not hearing them, that I don’t understand.  They might even say that I’ve betrayed them. But God’s Spirit whispers to me during the scuffle and says, “I will bless you for this.”

Jesus stood up for the outcast. He defended a woman at a dinner table who was the brunt of everyone else’s comments. And lately, I witnessed believers throw verbal stones at others. I knew all the parties involved and could discern unseen bruises. I felt Jesus’ aching heart for the ones being hurt.  As a witness, I knew I had to do something. To bring peace, I had first to bring a sword and cut unrighteousness asunder.  Although there was no great outcome, Jesus not only assured me of divine favor but also comforted me in the aftermath.

I don’t like to stand alone.  It’s not the way You created me.  But You had to do it too.  You will help me. Amen