Be a peacemakers

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ Matthew 5:9 KS If you are a person who only loves peace, it mostly means that you are looking out for your own interest. But if you are a peacemaker, then you are a person who puts yourself out there to help others. Creating peace is not easy. When you decide to stand between two sides, you soon realize that the one “who stands in the middle of the road gets hit from both sides!”

Let’s be honest; sometimes it is easier to live in discord and discomfort than with the threatening changes that come through the process of reconciliation. “As far as you are concerned, be at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 KS). This means that you have to learn to talk and relate to other people who think differently than you. This does not mean that you need to change your opinion or message, but sometimes it means that you need to change your approach. Peacemaking means being willing to enter into a real dialogue with two people, not just superficially being on someone’s side.

No one likes the risk of rejection. This is why the power of peacemaking is essential for conflict resolution. It is an unrealistic goal to expect all differences to be fused in one melting pot. A realistic goal is a salad – a combined mixture of ingredients, with each one retaining its unique flavor and texture. True peacemaking happens in the heart, not in the head. The Bible says “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8 KS).

When people feel that they are loved and understood, then they lower their walls and start connecting with each other. And when that happens, not only is the conflict resolved, but healing of the heart and mind takes place. Therefore Jesus says: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.” Bible: Luke 12:1-31, Psalm 68-69