Blessed Are the Peacemakers

The Lord Jesus Christ begins His Sermon on the Mount by outlining the anatomy of a truly blessed soul. He defines real spiritual health. He does not speak as the world speaks, because the blessedness He offers does not fit the world’s pattern.

His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The rich, famous, and powerful are not praised. The kingdom of Christ belongs to the poor in spirit (v. 3). The meek will inherit the earth (v. 5), and the merciful are blessed (v. 7).

It is the peacemakers who are blessed (v. 8), not those who fight and quarrel and cause conflict. They are blessed because they will be called the sons of God, and there is no better name offered to the sons and daughters of mankind. They are called sons of God because they have been adopted into His family through Jesus Christ, and the evidence of their adoption is visible in their work.

They make peace. They proclaim the gospel of peace (Romans 10:15). They announce the Christ who brings peace. In doing so, they resemble their Father in Heaven, who is the supreme peacemaker.

Peacemakers go into the world calling all people to make their peace with God by trusting in His Son. They help Christians make peace with one another. When they see conflict in the body of Christ, they humbly intervene. They gently encourage the children of God to love one another. These are the souls who are truly blessed, who are called the sons of God.

Are you a child of God? Do you want to be blessed? Then imitate your Father. Go and make peace.