Fall: Week Nine
Blessed Are the Peacemakers:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
~ Matthew 5:9 ~
If you want to be known as a child of God, then you must live your life in a way that stands out from people of the world. We, as the “children of God,” are called to love God first and to love others second, period. The Bible teaches that our lives should be built upon those two simple commands. This cannot happen unless we have hearts of peace. The Greek word here for “peacemakers” can also be translated as “ones who love peace.” Do you love peace? Or do you love to fight and argue with those around you? Think about how you treat others – do you earnestly try to get along with others, or are you always looking for ways to cause division and tension?
Think of God like you think of your parents. Do your parents like it better when you are respectful to others? Do you respect their authority peacefully, or do you constantly rebel against them? God loves you, and He wants you to return that love. The best way to show your love for God is to obey His commands and to respect His authority. Give your anger and hate to Him; let the Almighty Lord deal with your problems. The Bible teaches us not to worry about the future but instead to trust that He has a greater purpose and a greater plan for your life. There will be time for judgment, but that time is reserved for God’s perfect judgment. We are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of heaven – “children of God.”
Let me ask you again, do you love peace? Do you trust in God’s ultimate plan? Do you respect His authority? Do you love Him? Do you love your neighbor? Only you can answer these questions. And remember, it is never too late to make a change. God loves you, and all you have to do is love Him back and trust in Him in order to find life everlasting. Turn to Him, for His love is the source of strength for His children. It is human nature to struggle and fight with others, which is why we need God’s divine grace in order to know how to truly be peacemakers and light-bearers in our cold and dark world.
