We who are Christians are all called by God to be peacemakers. Unfortunately, only some heed the call. Happily, those who do heed the call are truly blessed by God. Why? For one, because they are obedient to His call and He rewards them for it. But the main reason they are blessed, I would say, is in the next phrase: “…for they shall be called sons (or children) of God.” Hence, if we are obedient to our call as peacemaker, we will receive a real sense of being a child of God, so much so that we may sense Him calling us His child. What a bless that is!

What Kind of a Person is a Peacemaker?

First, a peacemaker must be a person who has a desire for peace and to bring peace to people.

Secondly, He sees the need for peace and sees how it will come to us. He sees that all people should be at peace—with God and with each other. Then, he understands that men cannot have peace without getting a new heart; for sin comes out of the heart and will destroy peace. Accordingly, the peacemaker understands that a heart conversion is the only way to obtain peace.  It cannot be obtained by manipulation of the personality. One can spend thousands of dollars on professional counselors to help change one’s personality, but that will not bring real, lasting peace. Likewise, leaders have tried to bring peace to the world through the League of Nations, and through the United Nations, and through other means, but no one can manipulate or force man into peace. Peace must come from a changed heart.

Thirdly, a peacemaker must himself have a pure heart and be selfless. He must be meek—selfless and totally dedicated to God.

How To Practice Peacemaking

Here are four tips:

1. Learn not to speak. You must be absolutely selfless and a listener more than a talker.
2. Bring the gospel to people. The only way to bring someone peace is by gospel conversion. He must be saved and have a new heart (Eph. 6:15).
3. Go out of your way to bring peace. In your dealings with people show pity for them and pray for them.
4. Be selfless, loving, and approachable.