Wednesday: Peacemaking
Read Matthew 5:9. In the kind of world we live in, how do we do what Jesus says here? Ultimately, how successful can we be? See Mark 13:7.
Violent conflict is a significant cause of suffering. Included in the costs of war are the direct victims and shattered lives, the attention and resources devoted to military machinery that would be better diverted to alleviating other human needs and the ongoing suffering of war survivors and veterans, even among the “victors”. 
Then there are the many smaller conflicts that scar countless lives in families and communities. As such, a passion for justice cannot ignore the mandate to peacemaking.
At the heart of the gospel of Jesus is God’s gracious and grand act of peacemaking, reconciling sinful human beings to their Creator (see 2 Cor. 5:18-21). And the reconciliation we receive becomes the pattern for us to be “ambassadors” for this reconciliation for others, as well.
Read Isaiah 52:7. How do we live out this text too?
The gospel of peace also becomes the motivation, pattern, and resource for working for peace in our violent world: “The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife”. – Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 28.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NIV). Taking this further, not only did He affirm the commandment against killing, He said we should not be angry or hold a grudge (see Matt. 5:21-26) and that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (see Matt. 5:43-48), meaning that we should take active steps to seek their good. There are many inspiring stories of people who have devoted their lives to peacemaking in world trouble spots, bringing glimpses of reconciliation and healing, and often alleviating much of the injustice and suffering these conflicts have brought.
| What are ways that your local church, at its local level, could act in the role of peacemaker? |
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We were on a trip in northern Queensland and had pulled into a rest area near the town of Cardwell. While we were there an army convoy stopped there too and a whole lot of army personnel got out to stretch their legs and have cups of coffee. We got into a conversation with a couple of the soldiers and asked where they were going. They told us they were headed for Coen, a very remote village, "out in the sticks" to use their description. They were on a community building project working on infrastructure in this little village. Their job was to make some roads and build a sports ground. The soldiers were quite excited about what they were planning to do. The work they were doing was going to make a difference to the little community of Coen, and they were happy that their skills in engineering were going to be used peacefully.
I spoke to a relative of mine who is a legal officer in the Australian Army about the encounter and he told me that the peaceful activities are some of the most rewarding things that our army gets to do. A few years ago there was a bit bit of a political upheaval in the Solomon Islands, an independent nation to the north-east of Australia. They called on the Australian Army to come and help maintain the peace. I don't think the Australian Army had to fire a single shot. They simply went in and helped with peaceful activities until the Solomon Islanders found their own peace in the stable environment provided by the presence of the army. My relative was involved in this action and he commented how great if was to have made a difference.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers" and perhaps we can learn a couple of lessons from our army in acting for peace. Maybe we should think about this next time we have an issue that divides us spiritually.
"Christ is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.
There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist."
Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 27-28.
There are too many avengers; therefore, let us live the true Christian life of loving peace by giving up our envy, pride and jealously be found humble in spirit.