In Matthew 5:9 Jesus makes the statement  “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ” Will you be a child of God today? One thing we must do is to “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18). But, how do we be a peacemaker and live at peace with all men?

Jesus tells us how in Matthew 7:12: ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” This is often referred to as the golden rule and is something we all should live by. If we would have others treat us with respect, compassion and love we must treat them with respect, compassion and love first, thereby bringing peace.

The bible tells us in Philippians 4:5-7  to be reasonable people and that this quality in us should be known to others. The passage goes on to say that if we pray with thanksgiving, making our requests known to God, that He will guard our hearts and minds with the peace of God that goes beyond understanding. We are also told not to be anxious about anything.

If we have these qualities of reasonableness, thanksgiving and can stay calm God will not only grant us peace, but we can readily make peace with others. This is one of the qualities that should characterize the child of God, that He is able to bring peace and comfort to others because God brings peace and comfort to him. We are able to love others because God loves us.

We can have peace with God by first obeying the gospel (following the plan of salvation) and then devoting our lives to him, thus bringing peace. We can have peace with all men by sharing the gospel to those who will receive it and although this may sometimes bring persecution, we can be at peace knowing that our concern for the souls of others brings true peace between us and them.

If we did not care enough to seek their salvation we may harbor enmity  toward them in our heart instead.If we do not want them to enjoy the blessings of Christ even as we do we cannot be a peacemaker toward them.

Colossians 3:12-15 says : “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

This epistle was written to the church at Colossae  and thus applies to our relationships within the church, but if we will cultivate these things toward our brothers and sisters in Christ it will go a long way toward making peace with all men.If we learn to love and care like this passage tells us to, we will reflect this attitude in all our relationships.

We may suffer persecution because of our faith, but if we will apply the things to our lives that the scriptures I have mentioned tell us to, we will have true peace with God and men: we will learn to be peacemakers as God would have us be.

May God bless and keep you until next time.