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)
