Believers are Called to be Peacemakers!

 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9, ESV). This profound statement highlights the divine calling of believers to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world often torn apart by conflict and division. As followers of Christ, we are responsible for embodying the message of His transformative love, not only in our personal lives but also in our engagement with the broader community.

As recorded in the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul's encounter in the temple at Jerusalem provides a poignant illustration of this calling. When a mob stirred up trouble and sought to do Paul harm, he responded not with retaliation but with a courageous and compelling proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 21:27-22:2). This episode serves as a powerful example of how believers can overcome the forces of division and violence by embracing the ministry of reconciliation.

In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the theological foundations of the believer's call to be a peacemaker, drawing insights from Jesus' teachings and the apostolic writings. We will examine the specific passages of Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14, and the account in Acts 21-22, uncovering the principles and practices that enable us to navigate the complexities of conflict and foster lasting peace.

The Believer's Call to Peacemaking

The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew's Gospel, is a seminal teaching that lays the groundwork for the believer's call to peacemaking. In this profound discourse, Jesus articulates the core values and responsibilities of those who follow Him. The pronouncement "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9) stands out as a statement we should heed.

The term "peacemaker" in Greek: εἰρηνοποιός, (eirēnopoiós) conveys the idea of one who actively works to create and restore harmony, reconcile opposing parties, and foster a climate of peace. This call to peacemaking is a passive preference for tranquility and an active engagement in reconciliation.

The phrase "sons of God" further underscores the divine nature of this calling. Those who faithfully embrace the ministry of peacemaking are recognized as bearing the family resemblance of their Heavenly Father, who is the ultimate Peacemaker. Just as God has reconciled humanity to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, believers are called to emulate this divine work of reconciliation in their own spheres of influence.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this call to peacemaking in his epistle to the Romans, exhorting believers to "live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). This exhortation is not a mere suggestion but a command rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of peace, actively seeking to maintain harmonious relationships and diffuse tensions wherever they may arise.

The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews echoes this sentiment, declaring, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). The call to "strive for peace" implies a deliberate and persistent effort to pursue reconciliation, even in the face of adversity. This pursuit of peace is not merely a personal preference but a necessary component of the believer's journey toward holiness and fulfilling God's purpose.

The account of Paul's encounter in the temple at Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 21-22, provides a powerful illustration of the believer's call to peacemaking. When a mob stirred up trouble and sought to harm Paul, he could have responded with retaliation or attempted to flee. Instead, he seized the opportunity to share his rescue story from the dead religion, addressing the crowd in their language and surprising them with his willingness to engage (Acts 21:37-22:2).

In this critical moment, Paul demonstrated the heart of a peacemaker. Rather than escalating the conflict or seeking to assert his own rights, he chose to diffuse the situation and turn it into a platform for the proclamation of the Gospel. This approach reflects the essence of the believer's call to peacemaking: to overcome the forces of division and violence with the transformative message of God's love and grace.

Theological Foundations of Peacemaking

The call to be a peacemaker is rooted in the very nature of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As we explore the theological foundations of this calling, we will uncover the profound implications for the believer's life and witness.

The Character of God as the Ultimate Peacemaker

Throughout the Scriptures, God is consistently depicted as the Sovereign Lord who desires peace and reconciliation. The Prophet Isaiah declares, "The Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him" (Isaiah 30:18). This divine attribute of justice is intrinsically linked to God's desire for peace and harmony in His creation.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul affirms that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God has initiated the ultimate act of peacemaking, bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This reconciliation is the foundation upon which the believer's call to be a peacemaker is built.

The Redemptive Work of Jesus Christ

At the heart of the Christian faith lies the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who embodied the ministry of reconciliation. Through His life and teachings, Jesus modeled the way of peace, refusing to retaliate against those who sought to harm Him and offering forgiveness and restoration instead.

On the cross, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the weight of human sin and brokenness, in order to reconcile us to God. As the apostle Paul writes, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross" (Colossians 1:19-20).

This foundational truth of the Gospel compels believers to embrace the ministry of reconciliation, following in Christ's footsteps and reflecting His character of mercy and grace.

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit further empowers the believer's call to peacemaking. As the third person of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit is the source of the believer's spiritual transformation and the empowerment for their mission.

The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as including "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). These attributes are essential for the believer's ability to navigate the complexities of conflict and to be a conduit of God's reconciling work.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, discernment, and encouragement (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), which are invaluable in the pursuit of peacemaking. As believers rely on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they are empowered to be effective agents of reconciliation in a divided world.

The Call to Community and Mutual Edification

The believer's call to peacemaking is not merely an individual pursuit but a foundational aspect of the faith community. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of believers living in harmony and mutual edification.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul exhorts the believers to "live in harmony with one another" and to "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Romans 14:19). This call to community reflects the integral role of peacemaking in the life of the Church, as believers are called to foster an environment of reconciliation and mutual support.

Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "strive for peace with everyone" (Hebrews 12:14), recognizing that the pursuit of peace extends beyond the confines of the Church and into the broader community. As believers embrace their role as peacemakers, they become witnesses of God's transformative power, pointing the world toward the hope of reconciliation and redemption.

Peacemaking in the Face of Conflict: Lessons from Acts 21-22

The account of Paul's encounter in the temple at Jerusalem, recorded in Acts 21-27 to 22:2, powerfully illustrates the believer's call to peacemaking in the face of conflict and division. When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he was met with opposition from those who viewed the message of the Gospel as a threat to their way of life. Stirred up by "some Jews from the province of Asia" (Acts 21:27), a mob quickly turned against Paul, dragging him from the temple and beating him.

In this volatile situation, Paul could have responded with retaliation or self-preservation. Instead, he seized the opportunity to address the crowd and share his story of transformation (Acts 21:37-22:2). By speaking to them in their own language; Paul demonstrated a posture of humility and a genuine desire to engage the people rather than escalate the conflict.

This episode reveals several key principles for the believer's call to peacemaking:

1. Overcoming the Temptation to Retaliate: Even in the face of unjust accusations and physical harm, Paul resisted the temptation to retaliate or defend himself with force. Instead, he chose the path of non-violence, recognizing that the way of peace and reconciliation is often more powerful than the way of retribution.

2. Seizing Opportunities for Reconciliation: Rather than solely focusing on his safety or rights, Paul saw the unfolding crisis as an opportunity to engage the people and share the message of the Gospel. He recognized that the door was open for reconciliation and the proclamation of God's transformative love even amid turmoil.

3. The Power of Communication and Empathy: By addressing the crowd in their native language, Paul demonstrated a deep understanding and empathy for their perspective. This act of cultural sensitivity and communication helped to diffuse the tension and open the door for dialogue rather than further escalating the conflict.

4. Prioritizing the Advancement of the Gospel: Underlying Paul's actions was a steadfast commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel. Even in the face of personal danger, he remained focused on the spiritual transformation of those around him, recognizing that the greatest act of peacemaking is the reconciliation of the human heart with God.

The example of Paul's response in Acts 21-22 is a powerful model for believers who are called to navigate the complexities of conflict and to be agents of reconciliation in a world that often gravitates toward division and violence.

Practical Implications for Believers

The theological foundations and the biblical example of peacemaking have profound practical implications for the lives of believers. As we seek to embody the call to be peacemakers, we must consider the following fundamental principles:

1. Cultivating a Heart of Compassion: Effective peacemaking begins with a heart that is transformed by the love of God and filled with compassion for others. As believers, we are called to see the humanity in those with whom we disagree, to empathize with their struggles, and to approach conflict with a spirit of understanding and grace.

2. Practicing Non-Violent Communication: The way we communicate can have a significant impact on the way conflicts are resolved. Believers are called to speak the truth in love, avoid inflammatory language, and actively listen to the perspectives of others. By embracing non-violent communication, we can create an environment conducive to reconciliation.

3. Pursuing Reconciliation over Retaliation: In the face of personal injustice or offense, the believer's response should be guided by the call to reconciliation rather than a desire for retribution. We are to forgive as we have been forgiven, seek restoration, and offer the same grace that has been extended to us through Christ.

4. Engaging in Constructive Dialogue: Peacemaking often requires the courage to have difficult conversations, listen to differing perspectives, and seek common ground. Believers are called to be bridge-builders, creating opportunities for open and respectful dialogue that can lead to greater understanding and consensus.

5. Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit: Ultimately, the believer's ability to be a peacemaker depends not on their own strength or wisdom but on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. By walking in the Spirit and allowing Him to guide our thoughts, words, and actions, we can become effective instruments of God's reconciling work.

6. Persevering in the Face of Adversity: Peacemaking is not an easy task, and believers may face resistance, opposition, or even persecution as they seek to bring reconciliation. However, we are called to persevere, remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, and trust in the sovereign plan of God, who is the ultimate Peacemaker.

By embracing these practical implications, believers can become powerful agents of transformation, bringing the hope of the Gospel to a world in desperate need of reconciliation and peace.

Conclusion

The call to be a peacemaker articulated in Jesus' teachings and exemplified in the life of the apostle Paul is a profound and challenging invitation for believers. Rooted in God's very character and Christ's redemptive work, this calling compels us to be agents of reconciliation in a world often torn apart by conflict and division.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to overcome the temptation to retaliate, seize opportunities for dialogue and understanding, and prioritize the advancement of the Gospel. By cultivating a heart of compassion, practicing non-violent communication, and persevering in the face of adversity, we can become living witnesses of God's transformative love and the hope of reconciliation.

As we reflect on the example of Paul's encounter in the temple at Jerusalem, we are reminded that even in the midst of turmoil, the door is open for believers to share the message of peace and to turn crisis into an opportunity for spiritual transformation. May we, as the people of God, boldly embrace our calling as peacemakers, bringing the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of His reconciling grace.