Why Does God Bless Peacemakers?
By Carey Kinsolving

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

"A peacemaker is a person who breaks up fights," says Doug, age 10. Is this a referee or more like a bouncer?

Davis, 10, has a slightly different idea: "If you try not to start fights but settle them, you will be thanked." I hope you'll be thanked, Davis. But often the peacemaker is misunderstood, blamed and persecuted for trying to prevent strife and conflicts.

"God will make us peacemakers if we show the peace we already have," says Stephanie, 8. Exactly. How can we bring peace to others if our insides are churning? World peace begins with inner peace.

"A peacemaker is someone who actively pursues peace," says Kristin, 10. "The peace comes from Jesus so that we can bring peace to others. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Followers of Christ are true peacemakers." The work of God among those who accept Jesus as God's son creates a new family of peacemakers that transcends race, culture and economics. But the flip side is that the members of your natural family might not be excited about your new peace with God. In fact, they might think you're crazy.

Peacemaking is provocative. The peacemaker, "by laying bare the violence that must be overcome, frequently appears to be the fomenter of the very violence being opposed," writes author Gene Davenport. "But this violence otherwise remains hidden or denied. Jesus himself is the prime example of this fate of peacemaking."