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In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus taught that, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This means that as children of God, we should be trying to be the peacemakers in this world. But, what is a peacemaker? What qualities do peacemakers have?
Communication is vital to the health of our society, and we often value those who can speak well. However, it's probably more important to be able to listen to what others say.
We often put our own position forward, but do we acceptingly listen to the positions of others? It's also important to show dignity and respect towards others. When we value others, it's easier to value what they say. Sometimes, due to the conditions in the world around us, we may find that we need to show courage to stand up and listen to others, especially when the message is calling us to action. To find that courage, we can turn to God.
In the Bible, the word "courage" appears 27 times, and most of those references are to courage that comes from God.
Psalm 27:14 tells us, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" God will give you the courage to be a peacemaker.
We often think of peacemakers as sitting around a big table, in a neutral country, surrounded by staff, protected by guards trying to hammer out details in some big peace agreement. They are in fact peacemakers, but how they make peace is in the minority.
The most common peacemakers are you and me. We are peacemakers every day, in many ways.
We can be peacemakers by helping people to reconcile with each other. We often don't try, because we worry that we're inserting ourselves into other people's business. When you have friends or family who are at odds have you thought to ask if the three of you could have coffee? No one said you had to force it. You may have to set some ground rules with each individually first, but isn't it worth a question, to bring about peace in your lives?
Sometimes conflict comes from a simple lack of understanding, but peace needs to be brought to those at odds. Sometimes you can help two people resolve things by talking to them individually just to explain the other person's perspective. You don't need to take sides, just help each to understand how the other believes. Help them each to realize that you're not asking them to accept the other person's view, you're just asking that they understand it. We can live peaceably together with simple understanding.
In 1 Peter 3:10 we hear that, "Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it."
Most people deep down, really do want peace. They really do want to have good days. Few people thrive in conflict. Most will be open to allowing others to help them find peace.
We all can be peacemakers. Our efforts can not only bring peace, but also turn others from evil.
Focusing on peace discourages people from speaking ill of others. We, as children of God, are expected to be the peacemakers in this world. We are expected to follow God's guidance, and live well with each other, within His wonderful creation.
Reach out to God for the courage you need to make peace. Be one to make a difference amidst the conflict of today.
May God's peace and comfort be with us all.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Gary Shumway of Garman Lutheran Church in Pine Creek and Grace Lutheran Church in Jersey Shore.