The Peacemakers

Every individual yearns for tranquility, and some even dedicate themselves to fostering peace in times of chaos and turmoil. When conflicts erupt between nations, the United Nations actively engages in mediation efforts, urging the involved parties to agree to a ceasefire. Likewise, in society, when disputes lead to division, mediators come forward to help reconcile opposing sides, all aimed at promoting harmonious coexistence.

In the church, fellowships are often established with the intention of uniting believers. Unfortunately, rather than fostering unity, divisions can sometimes emerge. In these situations, certain believers take on the role of peacemakers, hoping that their efforts will affirm their identity as children of God. They work diligently to restore peace among warring spouses, families, and fellow believers. The concept of peacemaking has gained traction as many Christians believe that, as children of God, they are called to live in peace with everyone, even when they feel wronged by others or when they are distant from God.

Jesus Teaching About Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, and during His Sermon on the Mount, He proclaimed that peacemakers would be recognized as the children of God. However, it is noteworthy that this Prince of Peace also spoke of division within families rather than unity. He acknowledged this because He knew that one’s own family members could often become their fiercest adversaries. This reality was already foreshadowed by the prophet Micah, who cautioned that one should be wary of neighbors, friends, and even family, as they could become foes (Micah 7:6).

To delve deeper into this, we can consider the story of Martha and Mary. While these two sisters were united in heart and service, a division arose when Jesus visited their home. This conflict was not about typical family disagreements, but rather stemmed from one sister choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet while neglecting her household duties. Martha, feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities, became frustrated with Mary and approached Jesus with her concerns. Yet, rather than supporting Martha, Jesus gently corrected her, highlighting that she was troubled by many things and overlooking the one thing that truly mattered—her faith in Him.

God has set us apart to receive His knowledge, wisdom, and peace, and at times, it may not be possible to achieve peace with those from whom God has distanced us. This is why Paul advised caution; we should not interpret the call to live in peace as a blanket directive if it leads us away from becoming the children of God.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18 (NIV)

God Dividing People

God does not desire the unity of the wicked and actively scatters them. Many individuals become corrupt in the company of wrongdoers, developing envy toward the righteous. Faced with their inability to embrace righteousness, they often resort to harming the just, thereby positioning themselves as enemies of God. Furthermore, despite their wickedness, they seek to reach out to God to obtain His blessings. This is why God chooses to divide them, as the wicked typically find it difficult to commit evil on their own. Ultimately, they must either turn to God or face the consequences of their actions.

So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. – Genesis 11:8-9 (NIV)

In their wickedness, people attempt to reach out to God using their own strength and resources, but God confuses their language. Conversely, when the disciples needed empowerment to testify about Jesus, they gathered in unity, and God enabled them to preach the Gospel in their own languages, eliminating confusion among the people so that everyone present heard the message in their native tongue. Despite this incredible grace and their mission to spread the Gospel, the disciples were reluctant to reach the areas most in need of it. Consequently, God scattered them through persecution, prompting them to flee to various locations where they preached the Gospel.

Joseph had a dream that led his brothers to sell him into slavery in a distant land, thus setting him apart to fulfill God’s purpose in his life. God often separates individuals within families to achieve His higher plans.

His brothers were envious of him, but his father kept this matter in mind. — Genesis 37:11 (NIV)

People often misunderstand God’s intentions and strive to force peace between Joseph and his brothers, believing that reconciliation will make them children of God. In reality, they act contrary to God’s will, as they only know about God rather than truly knowing Him.

For instance, after God set Joseph apart for His purposes, everything seemed to go awry, eventually leading him to prison. If he had been surrounded by fellow believers during this time, they might have urged him to go to his brothers and forgive them. Joseph’s struggles serve as a lesson for those who consider themselves peacemakers; they should not interfere with God’s plan. Some might say that his troubles were a result of his unwillingness to forgive his brothers. However, despite the absence of such pressure from others, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers, a sentiment clearly reflected in the name he gave to his son.

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household. – Genesis 41:51 (NIV)

The Ministry of Reconciliation

When Jesus referred to peacemakers, He was not talking about those who act against God’s will in an attempt to become His children through their actions. Instead, He was speaking of His children who have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. God sent His Son to save us from eternal death. When Jesus entered this world, He became our brother, granting us the privilege to refer to God as our Father. Although He lost His relationship with His Father and addressed Him as God (Matthew 27:46), through His obedience, He became the Son who reconciled us with the Father.

During His time on Earth, Jesus offered prayers and petitions with deep emotion and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission (Hebrews 5:7, NIV).

God expects us, as His children, to carry on the ministry of reconciliation. This means we should reach out to those who are unaware that their sins were already forgiven two thousand years ago. By helping them understand this truth, they, too, can become His children and call Him Abba Father.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to son ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.- Romans 8:14-17 (NIV)

This beautiful grace of God is truly a gift available to everyone on this earth. Unfortunately, the religion of Christianity has, at times, created complex barriers and regulations that can obscure the simplicity of becoming His children. However, God’s desire is for all to understand and embrace this truth. If we fail to share this incredible reality with those around us, we bear a responsibility to God, who has graciously saved us. Therefore, God gently encourages us not to become complacent with the divisions that may exist, but rather to reach out and reconcile with those who feel lost in darkness, sharing the hope that they too can be welcomed as children of the Sovereign God.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NIV)