Read

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Think

Peacemaking sounds good—until you actually have to do it. It’s easy to talk about unity, but stepping into conflict? That’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. In a world that thrives on outrage—where family dinners turn into debates and social media fuels division—Jesus calls us to something radically different. He doesn’t say, “Blessed are those who avoid conflict,” or, “Blessed are those who win arguments.” He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

But let’s be clear—Jesus isn’t talking about keeping the peace by staying silent. Biblical peace isn’t about avoiding tension but engaging with truth and love. Peacemakers don’t just desire reconciliation, they actively work toward it – even at great personal cost. Spurgeon put it this way: “Peace without truth is a false peace; it is the very peace of the devil himself.” Real peace doesn’t come from sweeping issues under the rug—it comes from bringing God’s love into brokenness. And Jesus says when we do that, we reflect the heart of our Father.

Peacemaking is costly. It requires humility, patience, and the courage to love when it’s easier to walk away. It means apologizing first, even when you feel justified. It means forgiving before the other person says they’re sorry. It means choosing grace when bitterness feels more satisfying. Peacemaking is the holy disruption of cycles of anger and division. The world tells us to hold grudges, cancel those who hurt us, and fight to be right. But Jesus calls us to be different—to lay down our pride and step into broken places with his love.

So, where is God calling you to be a peacemaker? Maybe it’s reaching out to a family member you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s choosing kindness when you’d rather lash out. Maybe it’s letting go of a grudge that’s been weighing you down. True peace isn’t found in avoiding conflict—it’s found in bringing Christ into the middle of it.

Apply

Turn conflict into a Christ moment. When tension rises, shift the focus from who’s right to what’s right in God’s eyes (Romans 12:18). Ask, “How can I honor God in this situation?” Sometimes choosing to forgive and let go is the greatest act of peacemaking.

Pray

Lord, make me a peacemaker today. When conflict arises, help me pause before I react and give me words that heal, not harm. Soften my heart to apologize first, even when it’s hard, and let me be a bridge, not a divider. Help me seek peace, not just for myself, but for those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.