"Blessed Are the Peacemakers"
By Micky Galloway

In His presentation of the beatitudes, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." In a children's class, the teacher asked, "What would be the opposite of this beatitude?" A child's reply, "Cussed are the fussmakers." Indeed! In Proverbs 6:16-19, we learn of seven things that are an abomination to God. Included in the list is, "he that soweth discord among brethren." In a previous article, we discussed the sin of division. Let's give attention to the importance of being a peacemaker.

The Scriptures are abundant with evidence that God wants us to become like Him (Cf. 1 Peter 1:15-16). He sent His Son to shed His blood to make peace between God and man possible (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is referred to as the "God of peace, Who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, (even) our Lord Jesus." (Hebrews 13:20-21) He desires to reconcile man to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) who is the "Prince of peace" (Isaiah 9:6). When this reconciliation actually occurs, one has "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." No man ever makes himself more like God than he who makes himself a peacemaker.

Who are the peacemakers spoken of in this verse? Do they make peace between man and God or between man and man? Either understanding may be possible; however, it must be peace that rests upon our peace with God through Jesus Christ. The Jews and Gentiles were to have peace with each other, but this peace was contingent upon their mutual reconciliation and peace with God. We must, by proclaiming the "gospel of peace," help others to be at peace with God (Ephesians 2:13-17; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 6:15). However, "Blessed are the peacemakers" takes on added significance when we read related passages that command peace. Consider:

"At peace with God and thus themselves filled with sweet peace, they live in peace, if possible, with all men and work to keep and to make peace where peace is threatened or lost. Theirs is the work of true Christians who follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace." (Lenski)

A peacemaker is one who has developed a peaceable disposition. One can't be a peacemaker if he delights in strife and contention. He has also developed a peaceable conversation and has learned when to speak and when to be silent. The wisdom writer said, "A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up strife." (Proverbs 15:1) James said, "Ye know (this), my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." (James 1:19)

There may be realms in which Christians may be unable to make peace. It may not be possible to make peace among government leaders, but we can pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4). I may not be able to stop wars among nations or resolve labor disputes, but, as a Christian, I must learn contentment (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). However, there are at least two realms in which Christians can make peace--in the home and in the church. If we have peace at home, the honor is ours; if we have strife and hate, the blame is ours. The same is true in the church. If we have peace, we make it; if we have strife, we make it. The peacemaker is not a peace-at-any-price person (anything to avoid trouble). But he has learned how to avoid compromise and error and maintain a spirit of truth. Robert Shank said, "The love of the world is the path of compromise. It ends in disaster."

What makes peace in the home? To some, the marriage vow is of little significance; much less, God's law. Read again Matthew 19:9. Marital fidelity, mutual confidence, cheerfulness and kindness, unselfishness, and self-examination are all essential to peacemaking in the home. If a husband or wife is determined to have his (or her) way and pouts and complains when he/she doesn't get it, strife results; peace is destroyed. Whenever a home is tom by strife, each (husband and wife) needs to ask himself, "Am I to blame?" But what often happens is that husband or wife points the finger of blame at the other; again, peace is destroyed. We are often so busy assigning blame that we destroy peace, rather than seeking peaceful solutions.

What makes peace in the church? We must be careful to adhere to N.T. patterns. All innovations cause strife. Instrumental music, the Missionary Society, sprinkling, infant baptism, benevolent societies, fellowship halls, and gymnasiums all destroyed the peace of local churches. If there was nothing else wrong with them, I would oppose them because they have destroyed peace. In matters not essential to obeying God, Paul said, "If meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble." (1 Corinthians 8:13) Right living by all members is essential to peace. Questionable conduct starts rumors, gossip, and denials, and so destroys peace. Humility is necessary (1 Peter 5:5). Conceited, self-centered members always cause strife.

There are two extremes that must be avoided. Some pick fights and are contentious about everything. They complain, but do nothing constructive. Nothing is right with them. Others want peace at any price. These are willing to tolerate all kinds of error and allow every kind of innovation, because they want to maintain peace. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy." (James 3:17) True wisdom begins with that which is right!

"They shall be called sons of God." Those who are peacemakers will provide evidence for themselves that they are children of God. God will own them as such, and they will resemble Him. He is the God of peace; His Son is the Prince of peace. God has declared Himself reconcilable to us all. He will not own those for His children who are merciless in their hostility to one another; for if the peacemakers are blessed indeed, "Cussed are the fussmakers."

Brother Galloway reminds us that PEACE is an important quality in both the home and the church. Many church problems occur because the church is not at peace. Why is lack of peace a problem in local churches today? It has become crystal clear to me that there are three reasons why this is so. Allow me to share them with you.

  1. People who like to fuss and complain. These people see no right in anything and always find fault with others-but never themselves.

  2. Lack of humility. Brethren who humbly submit to the Lord, to the oversight of the elders, and to their brethren will not have the time or energy to complain and murmur.

  3. An inflated opinion of our own importance to the church. Such folks believe they are the only ones who know what is going on, why things are not working, and what needs to be done to make them better.

Unfortunately, peace cannot exist in a climate where church members fuss and complain, lack humility, and have inflated opinions of themselves. One can't help wondering how the Lord got along without some of us for this long! Seriously, if we strive for peace, we will have peace. (KMG)


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