Blessed Are The Peacemakers

If someone were to ask for a one-word description of what the gospel brings to us when we repent and believe, many would rightly respond with the word salvation. As Paul affirms, we are saved from the wrath of God through faith in Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10). Yet there is another outcome of the gospel we often overlook — peace.

Paul calls the gospel the “gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15), and he proclaims that being justified by faith, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This peace is not merely an emotional calm or the absence of conflict. It is a restored relationship between God and man — a reconciliation made possible by the blood of Jesus.
Before coming to Christ, Scripture says we are at enmity with God (Romans 5:10). Because of our sin inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12–21), we are alienated from our Creator.

James even goes as far as to say that friendship with the world is hatred toward God (James 4:4). The human condition apart from Christ is one of estrangement and rebellion, not peace.

So how can peace be restored? Only through a mediator. For humanity’s greatest conflict — the one between man and God — there is only one true Mediator: Jesus Christ. As both fully God and fully man, He alone can represent both sides. He is the “mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 9:15), reconciling us to God by bearing our sins and granting us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

While we cannot mediate salvation like Christ, we are still called to imitate His work in the world. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This is not a generic call to maintain peace at all costs, but rather a call to actively pursue and establish godly peace — peace rooted in truth, righteousness, and justice.

This brings us to an important distinction: there is a difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper.

A peacekeeper avoids conflict. They may silence tension or sweep problems under the rug to preserve outward harmony. But this kind of peace is often temporary and superficial. The false prophets in ancient Israel were guilty of proclaiming, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). They comforted people in their sin, pretending all was well. Many today do the same in the name of tolerance or unity, turning a blind eye to sin for the sake of calm.

In contrast, a peacemaker enters into conflict with the goal of true reconciliation. Peacemakers don’t ignore sin — they lovingly confront it. They don't merely maintain the status quo; they pursue restoration, healing, and truth. Being a peacemaker often requires discomfort, courage, and sacrifice. It may mean risking relationships to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), or standing between two parties in prayer, wisdom, and humility.
Peacemaking reflects the heart of the gospel — God stepping into our chaos to bring lasting reconciliation. When we act as peacemakers, we mirror our Father’s nature and demonstrate that we are truly His children.

As believers, we need to reject the false peace that comes from avoidance or compromise, and instead, pursue the authentic peace that comes from truth and love and strive not just to keep peace, but to make peace — in our homes, churches, communities, and world.

Lord Jesus, thank You for making peace between us and the Father through Your sacrifice. Teach us to be true peacemakers, grounded in truth and guided by love. Help us to seek not just calm but righteousness as we reflect Your heart in every conflict we encounter. Amen


Credit: Ron Kelley