Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9 NIV
Methodist theologian Adam Clarke once wrote:
"the Gospel is called the Gospel of peace,I think that reconciliation is the operative word.
because it tends to reconcile men to God and to each other"
Peacemakers are reconcilers who bring folks together.
Healing folks that are alienated and often hostile to each other.
An old friend died a few years ago.
I was sad because we had not talked in a long time.
It caused me to contact another old friend that I had not seen in a while.
I shared a meal with my old friend.
As we dined together we shared our lives.
Life is too short to allow any sort of alienation in our lives.
Being a peacemaker sometimes involves making contact when it is uncomfortable.
Being a peacemaker is a divine call to reconcile and be reconciled.
Small wonder that folks who make peace are called children of God.
Lord, help me to be at peace and to make peace. Even when it is uncomfortable.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Bob, I am so enjoying your thoughts and insights in the Beatitudes ~ Yes, what a calling to be a peacemaker. We all can be, but some have the gift!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of peacemakers, I think of the peacekeeping forces such as in Korea at hte 38th Parallel. Making peace sometimes means a show of force. As peakemakers for God, he is the force and we are the instrument. Sometimes peace comes at a great cost. Blessed are those who pay the price for peace.
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