Peace is a condition that nearly everyone seeks out. We strive for peace in our family situation, our jobs, and in every other aspect of life. It is only the occasion person who thrives on turmoil tries to keep everyone in a state of agitation.

In this beatitude Jesus focuses upon peacemakers, those who promote peace between individuals. Peace can mean the absence of hostilities, harmonious relations, or inner contentment or serenity. The peacemaker would be the one who promoted and tried to bring harmony or serenity.

The Gospel by its very nature does not always bring peace. A standard for what it is right necessarily implies there is a way that is wrong. This can lead to turmoil and contentions when others choose to follow the wrong way. Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." (Matthew 10:34). The Gospel is that sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17). Thus Jesus may not be referring to peace among men, though if all obeyed the Gospel such peace would be a reality.

He may be focusing upon peace with God. Therefore blessed are those who promote and help to bring about peace with God. Who would these individuals be? Those who share the gospel with others, whether through preaching, teaching, personal evangelism, etc.. The ultimate peacemaker is, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. Peter told the household of Cornelius that God is not partial, that whoever reveres God and works righteousness is accepted by Him, and that God preached peace through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36). Paul wrote that "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

Helping others to have peace with God should be one of our priorities as a Christian. When helping others to have peace with God becomes our concern we take upon ourselves the attitude of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Thus, when we have this attitude of a peacemaker, Christ could say of us, you are the "sons of God."

Blessed are the peacemakers