Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9, KJV)
Matthew: Lord, this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount always moves me. Could you expound more on what it means to be a peacemaker?
Jesus: Certainly, Matthew. To be a peacemaker is to foster harmony and reconciliation where there is discord. It’s not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and love. A peacemaker seeks to heal divisions among people and to bring them closer to God’s righteousness.
Andrew: So, it’s like when we help resolve disputes among our fellow villagers or spread your teachings of love and forgiveness?
Jesus: Yes, Andrew. Every act of kindness, every word that eases tension, and every effort to understand and forgive contributes to peace. Being a peacemaker is part of reflecting God’s character, for God is a God of peace.
Peter: But, Master, there are times when standing for truth and justice seems to cause more conflict. How do we reconcile this with being peacemakers?
Jesus: Peter, true peacemaking does not mean compromising on truth or justice. It’s about approaching conflicts with a spirit of love and a goal of reconciliation. It’s about being truthful yet gentle, firm yet humble. Remember, peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of righteousness and love.
