A Peacemaker

When writing to the Ephesians, Paul called for peacemakers to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). People need to vigorously fight for peace. Lonely and isolated people are everywhere. An isolated person is in danger of hurting themselves and others. They long for peace, love, and acceptance. If they find these things in us, the Church, they will be drawn to experience them in community.

Today, there is no room for rivalries, jealousies, or factions in the Church. The Church has too many other important things to be involved in fighting. That goes for families, too. The closer people are to God and the more committed they are to Jesus, the closer we will be to each other.

A peacemaker is characterized by honesty. The prophet Ezekiel warned against those who act as if everything is all right when it is not. “Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, (Ezekiel 13:10). Sweeping under the rug or plastering the cracks will not bring peace.

The peacemaker is honest about the absence of peace in the world, the society in which he moves, and his personal relationships. He admits that when he is at odds with others, He does not pretend but seeks authenticity.

All of us tend to putty over the cracks.  We call it avoidance because it seems like it helps, but it doesn’t. Refusal to forgive and reconcile impedes peace. A peacemaker is willing to risk pain. Anytime one attempts to bring peace, he risks misunderstanding and failure. If we have been wrong, there is the pain of apologizing and the struggle of the one who forgives.

The peacemaker is also a fighter. He makes trouble to make peace: “Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom 14:19). Though the peacemaker is a fighter, he is not thoughtless. Instead, he is humble and patient—qualities that are hard to come by today.

James wrote, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18). There are rewards for the peacemakers, but it is hard work.

How attractive are true peacemakers! Filled with peace and honesty about their relationships, they risk pain and misunderstanding to make things right.