Matthew 5:1-12
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Mt 5:9
Matthew 5-7 is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount. It is Jesus'
longest sermon and it is the foundation of what it means to
be a disciple. Our reading today contains 8 values that are
known as the "Beatitudes." These 8 are a complete transversal
of our narcissistic culture. Until you see them as radical and
even revolutionary, you will never grasp their significance.
Let me unpack just one of these, "blessed are the peacemakers."
The focus of Jesus is not on peaceful people but people who are
peacemakers. The difference is that peacemaker people are
team players. They want to bring people together. They are
concerned with reconciliation. They do not participate in
divisiveness, bitterness, strife, revenge, and pettiness that divides.
They delight in making peace whenever possible. Just to clarify,
this is not "appeasement." It is a costly peace that involves
tremendous sacrifice.
Here is the blessing. When we do champion peacemaking in our
lives, we will be called sons and daughters of God. Our identity is
predicated on our relationship with others.
So, a few ideas on how to practically become a peacemaker:
Make your peace with God first so you have resources to give a
nd not take.
Listen and restate what your enemies are saying.
Take the first step.
Pray God's blessing on your enemies.
Forgive even before people ask for forgiveness.
Affirm others and see the positive in their lives.
Don't let emotions drive you; be driven by God's love.
Be willing to sacrifice.
In the end peacemaking is costly. Look at what it cost Jesus to
bring peace to our lives.
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