Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:9.
“Blessed are the peacemakers….” This particular beatitude is not focused on having inner peace as such (although having it will be necessary). This blessing is reserved for those who are actively seeking peace in the world. Wherever they note conflict, they are often involved in some way working for reconciliation. They seek peace in their own relationships. They seek to be a peacemaker when others around them are in conflict.
They don’t just hope peace will come. They are not satisfied with just the absence of violence or strife. They work toward mending relationships, offering and receiving forgiveness, gently challenging those who want to hang on to their disagreements and issues.
This is not an easy task. Peacemaking is not for wimps. It is often hard work. It can even be dangerous sometimes. It certainly was for Jesus. He came to bring peace, but knew that even in his best efforts, there would still be division, even among family members. But he still states that those who engage in this practice are blessed. Why? “...for they will be called children of God.” They are doing the very work of God. Though it is in another of the Gospels, I remember a message the angels recently brought us at Christmas: “Glory to God ...and on earth peace….”
Personal Worship Option:
Pray/Sing this prayer several times today: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
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