In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Jesus is not describing someone who simply has a peaceful personality, avoids arguments, or tries not to cause trouble. A peacemaker actively seeks reconciliation between people who are at odds.
The foundation for this work is the peace Christ has already accomplished. Jesus made peace between sinners and God “by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20), and He has also broken down the hostility that separates people from one another. Because Christ has made peace with us, Christians are called to pursue peace with others.
This means there is an important difference between keeping the peace and making peace. Keeping the peace can mean avoiding conflict or maintaining the status quo. Making peace means being willing to step into conflict and seek genuine reconciliation. As Paul writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
Peacemaking also extends to evangelism. One of the ways Christians make peace is by telling others about the peace they can have with God through Jesus Christ. The gospel announces the true and lasting peace that Christ provides for sinners who are separated from God.
The final promise of Matthew 5:9 points to the doctrine of adoption: “they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemaking does not earn our adoption into God's family. Rather, those who have been reconciled to God through Christ demonstrate the character of their heavenly Father as they pursue peace with others.
As we consider Matthew 5:9, we are challenged to ask whether we are merely avoiding conflict or actively pursuing peace—and whether the peace we have received from Christ is evident in the way we treat others.
