Peacemakers

In the book of Matthew – chapter 5 – there is a whole discussion about things that will make a person happy (blessed), and these are called the beattitudes.  This is because these are the “attitudes we should be like.” 

One of them says “Blessed are the peacemakers because they shall be called Sons of God.” 

For many years I thought this was saying that we needed to live peacefully and try to foster peace between people who didn’t get on.  I have certainly tried to do that whenever I could.  However, this Monday when I was reading my Bible I suddenly realised that my understanding was rather shallow. 

It’s talking about making peace with the people we don’t get along with. 

I realised that over the course of my life, there have been a number (maybe dozens) of instances in relationship where things didn’t go exactly how it should have.  In most cases I have dismissed these situations saying – “It’s not my fault, I tried the best I could.”  I always assumed it was the fault of the other person.  So that being the case, they needed to make things right, not me. 

However Jesus says “blessed are the peacemakers.”  In other words, its the person who is willing to take responsibility for a situation to make it right, even if they don’t think it’s their fault.  In fact they must be willing to see their own sin and fault in a situation and be willing to acknowledge their part in relationship breakdown. 

People who are willing to admit fault, or partial fault in a situation and make efforts to make amends are peacemakers.  These are the people Jesus says are going to be called the “sons of God.” 

When I think about it, it sounds perfectly right.  Jesus himself (the son of God) came to restore a wronged relationship between man and God.  It was actually humankinds fault that this relationship went sour – but Jesus took it on himself to make amends and restore the situation.  He is our example. 

Let us be like him, and make amends with people.  Do a list – in the course of your whole life, who have you wronged?  Who has wronged you?  What people have you fallen out with?  What people have fallen out with you? 

Now, be a peacemaker and make amends.