GOD IS LOOKING FOR PEACEMAKERS (2^nd part) -- He never told us to love a cause or to love a religion, He told us to love Him and love people.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) He calls us to serve the needy, to love our enemies and to reconcile people to God and to one another. Practically, this is often putting our own selfish desires aside and seeking the well being of others.

Let’s also remember the proverbs, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath” (Proverbs 15 :1) and  « A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. » (Proverbs 15 :18)

In each case, we have to consider the situation, to attack the problem not the person. Emphasize reconciliation not the wrongs. Reconciliation is more crucial than being right.

But one can never be a peacemaker unless he has peace in his own heart. If we don’t have inner peace, everything looks dirty and confused, blurred and hard to see, like driving in the mud. If you have a muddy windshied, even if the sun is shining, you would not know it is a beautiful day.

When people go around bringing chaos with them, it is because there is chaos inside of their heart and they project it on everybody else. It is the same thing with peace : if we have peace inside, we have a clear windshield and clear visibility, and we can project that peace wherever we go.

We can study on relationships with others, conflict resolutions and communication skills, and I am not saying these things are not helpful, but ultimately the only thing which is going to affect your relationship with others is your relationship with God. When you have intimacy with God and you become a reservoir of His encouragement, you have something to give out from and you can bring peace in any conflictual situation.

CONCLUSION : Peacemaking begins with an experience of peace in our own heart, coming from an intimate relationship with the Lord. God is on a recruiting mission, looking for a few good men and a few good women who will spread His peace in a world filled with pain, strife and war. He never told us to love a cause or to love a religion, He told us to love Him and love people.

Peace is to be actively pursued. Peacemakers are indispensable in today’s world, at work, in the family and just about anywhere we go. As we undertake that necessary but difficult task, may we be the peacemakers this world so desperately needs.