My Faith Votes | Blessed are the Peacemakers

Weekly Devotional

Blessed are the Peacemakers

This week's focus: Beatitudes

(We are working our way through the Beatitudes in the book of Matthew. This is the 8th in the series. Click the "previous" button at the bottom of the page to see previous entries or type "Beatitudes" in the search bar at the top.)

Interestingly, this is the only time in all the New Testament that the Greek term translated "peacemakers" appears. Maybe it will help us understand the meaning by pointing out first what it does not mean.

  • It does not mean, "Blessed are those who avoid all conflict and confrontations."
  • Neither does it mean, "Blessed are those who are laidback, easygoing, and relaxed."
  • Nor, "Blessed are those who defend a 'peace at any price' philosophy."
  • It doesn't mean, "Blessed are the passive, those who compromise their convictions when surrounded by those who would disagree."

No, none of those ideas is a characteristic of the "peacemaker" in this verse. The overall thrust of Scripture is the imperative, "Make peace!" (Check out Romans 12:18; 14:19; and James 3:16–4:2.)

A "peacemaker" describes those servants who . . . first, are at peace with themselves—internally, at ease . . . not agitated, ill-tempered, in turmoil . . . and therefore not abrasive. Second, they work hard to settle quarrels, not to start them; they are accepting, tolerant, and find no pleasure in being negative. In the words of Ephesians 4:3, peacemakers "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Solomon gives us wise counsel on some of the things peacemakers do:

  • They build up. "The wise woman builds her house" (Proverbs 14:1).
  • They watch their tongues and heal rather than hurt. "A gentle answer turns away wrath" (15:1). "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (16:24).
  • They are slow to anger. "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute" (15:18). "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city" (16:32).
  • They are humble and trusting. "An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper" (28:25).

The Lord Jesus states a marvelous promise that peacemakers can claim: "they shall be called sons of God". God's children. Few things are more godlike than peace.

When we promote it, pursue it, model it, we are linked directly with Him.

Adapted from Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Prayer Points:

  • Lord Jesus, you are the ultimate Peacemaker. Our only hope for reconciliation and restoration is entirely found with you. I’ve borne the worthless fruit of both my peace-breaking and my conflict-avoidant peace-faking in the past. Help me to be a true peacemaker.
  • Craig Huey is the author of the informative book: The Christian Voter: 7 Non-Negotiables for Voting For, Not Against Your Values. My Faith Votes talked with Craig about how to vote from a biblical worldview, the church's critical role, the war on Christianity, election integrity, and the impact Christians can make when they vote. Watch here.

We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.


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