The Lodestar

This is a great offer to participate in the divine nature as the children of God. Those who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation are the children of God since they have the Holy Spirit in them, which enables them to connect with Father God as children. “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”(Rom 8:15).

But the blessed state that Jesus affirms here is a step further. Here, the Father acknowledges that we are his children if we are peacemakers. It is like a child saying, “Dad”, and the dad responds, “Yes, son!”

Jesus also affirms that peace is not a static situation but must be made. Peace does not just happen but is the result of intentional effort.

The biblical concept of peace is much broader than the absence of war. It encompasses well-being, wholeness, and right human relationships. One ancient Christian writer said peace is the opposite of all that is opposite to love, for example, hatred, anger, and hypocrisy.

But who is a peacemaker since peace is a gift of God and not something inherent in the fallen human nature? The first bible story after the fall of Adam and Eve is about violence and death (Cain and Abel). However, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

There is no word for “peacemaker” in Greek. However, Jesus coined this word to describe those who create peaceful situations and relationships in the new community that he was building. A peacemaker gives peace to others and allows them to live in peace. It is a gift that followers of Christ imitating the life of the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6) receive as they walk by the Holy Spirit.

This urges all of us to self-examine. What is my contribution to this world of conflict? Am I contributing God's peace to comfort, or am I aggravating the conflict and pain with my silence or my ungodly response?

Today, pause and examine your role in the circles where God has placed you. Are you a channel of peace, or a silent witness to discord? Ask yourself — where can I create peace, restore a relationship, or offer comfort?

Invite the Holy Spirit to shape you into a peacemaker in a world so desperately in need of healing. Begin with a prayer: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." And as you go about your day, seek one opportunity — no matter how small — to bring peace into someone's life.

Remember, those who make peace reflect their Heavenly Father and bear His likeness in a divided world.

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