You've got the power! (Beatitudes part 7)
Beatitude Devotional Series written by Jamie Osborne
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
~ Jesus, in Matthew 5:9
I always thought this Beatitude meant I should keep peace in my own heart and relationships, and broker peace between individuals. I’m what is known as a ‘spicy one’, meaning I don’t often stay quiet when offended, and *may* have a bit of a hot head. As my long-suffering husband knows, keeping peace is not often my strong suit.
When looking at this Beatitude, like the previous one, I’d often move past this one as keeping peace didn’t seem to be attainable unless God gave me a whole new personality. But if you look closely, this Beatitude doesn’t say blessed are the peace-keepers, but peace-makers. What?
This Beatitude hides a gem we breeze over: the people of Jesus are called and empowered to make peace. Yes, we have the authority and power to actually MAKE peace! This is an astounding concept not often grasped or discussed in modern churches. Can it be true, as Darrell Johnson asks, that “ordinary, broken people become…Shalom-makers?”
Fourth century scholar St Jerome states peacemakers are recognized by two characteristics: they “make peace first within their own hearts, then between people at odds with each other.” Note that peace must first begin within. However, when you are a spicy one like me, or anxious, or overwhelmed, maintaining internal peace is awfully difficult.
Augustine suggests that to grasp hold of this inner peace, we must undergo a “daily…praiseworthy battle to keep what is better [peace] from being overcome by what is worse…Man is not able to rule over things which are inferior, unless he subjects himself to what is superior”.
In other words, if you are in Christ, you have something (someone) within you that is stronger and better than your fallen nature. Augustine continues:
"This is the steadfast peace that you ought to develop in yourself, that what is better in you may be in charge of what is worse. The better part in you, moreover is that part in which God’s image is found”.
Our daily discipleship includes bringing these inner storms and relational conflicts to Jesus, intentionally surrendering them to him, and receiving his own peace to carry with us through each day. If our Prince of Peace truly is who he says he is, peace is available to us, not by our own might, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, this Beatitude (and other teachings in the Gospels) claim that we – these lowly, spicy humans – are actually empowered to bring the Peace of Christ into the rooms we walk into. In both Luke and Matthew, Jesus tells his followers they have his authority to proclaim peace over towns and households in his name and commands them to do so wherever they go. Amazing!
As Christ-followers, we are equipped and positioned to bring a calm, wise presence even in the midst of wild, heightened emotions. You can be the grounded voice of Reason in difficult situations, if surrendered to Christ.
Finally, we are uniquely ordained to act as peace agents on earth by mediating between parties and to seek peace on behalf of others through prayer, wise counsel, and love. When we do so, we reflect Christ’s image. When we contribute to division, conflict and strife, we do not. Beatitudes people are those who daily surrender to Peace and are cognizant of their holy roles as peacemakers.
PAUSE and REFLECT:
How would you describe your demeanour in conflict situations? How would others describe it? Knowing that peacemaking cannot be done by willpower alone, how might Jesus be inviting you to turn further toward “the better” within you (God’s presence and peace) and away from the worse (your spicy, fallen nature)?
Deepen your understanding: Learn more about your role as a peacemaker by listening to this episode of the Luminous podcast! Let us know if you’ve listened to it and what you took from it.
Practice Peacemaking: As Christ’s peacemaker, carrying his very presence with you wherever you go, try secretly proclaiming / praying, “Peace be with you!” when you walk into a room, get your teeth cleaned, or enter someone’s home. If it is true we actually can impart peace, then let’s do it!