The Conflict of Peace

By Jon Walker

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9)

Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.

We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.

No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.

As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.

Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.

Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.

As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.

What now?

Jesus is our Peace

“For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 )” How does this change the way you think about peace?

Characteristics of a peacemaker

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18)

Peacemaking is an act of faith  

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Peace with God binds us together  

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Go in peace today

“Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32)