There’s
an old song that periodically comes back
to my mind. Its words testify to the blessing of the peace that Jesus so
generously gives: “I have the peace that passes understanding down in my
heart—down in my heart to stay!”
There is
something missing in that well-intentioned song, however. The peace of God is
truly a gift we enjoy in our hearts as we fellowship in His presence (John 14:27; 16:33). But He
never intended for us to keep all of that peace to ourselves. Peace is a gift
to be shared with those around us. As Christians, it should mark our
relationships and characterize the environment of our churches.
In His
Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9), which
indicates that we are to be intentional about bringing peace to our
relationships. Since we are prone to be troublemakers instead of peacemakers,
this is important advice. So, what does peacemaking look like? Peacemakers are
those who turn the other cheek (v.39), go the extra mile (v.41), and love their
enemies while praying for those who persecute them (v.44).
Why
should we do this? Because God is a peacemaker, and when we make peace we are
“called sons of God” (v.9). Peacemaking is a family trait.
Because
of the peace of God and peace with God,we can be peacemakers for
God. (RBC)
