5 Powerful Ways to Become a Peacemaker
How Can We Become a Peacemaker?
We live in a contentious world of shouting voices and clashing opinions, a world that feels harsh and abrasive. The air seems thick with tension, the smell of anger everywhere. So, how do we become a peacemaker amidst this storm of discord,ands jarring frustration?
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus declared, “for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
In an age when information flies on Internet superhighways, the internet exponentially multiplies one person’s voice. Whether the message is true or false, fair or biased, kind or cruel, it moves instantly across the globe.
Good and thoughtful posts often fly under the radar, while messages of contempt and anger thunder across the airways. No subject is off limits, including the Savior and His gospel. Nothing is immune to these polarizing voices.
# 1 A Peacemaker Must Possess Inner Peace
To become a peacemaker, we must first find inner peace. We can’t calm another’s anger if we have battles raging in our own hearts and souls.
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
A peacemaker cultivates a gentle spirit and strives to follow the Prince of Peace. When Jesus’s enemies attacked him, He answered calmly and with great love. We can do the same.
To become a peacemaker, we can choose what we say and how we say it.
#2 Don’t Stereotype Others
The Moment we see a stranger, we classify them. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we compare them to ourselves. Is the stranger older or younger, more or less beautiful? My race or nationality, richer or poorer?
The moment we classify the stranger into a certain group, we assume they have the attributes we associate with that group. This can lead to many false assumptions and needless fears.
Jesus addressed this tendency to categorize people. In his day, the Jews thought all tax collectors were unforgivable sinners. All Samaritans were evil. The Romans were cruel. Yet, Jesus proclaimed all were welcome in His kingdom.
Read more about the powerful Jewish groups in Jesus’ day at: christiansearcher.com/4-powerful-jewish-groups-at-the-time-of-christ/
The love of Christ destroys the walls of hostility.
#3 We Can Accept Opposing Ideas
Accepting Opposing Opinions
Opposition should not surprise us.
We read in Matthew 5:11 – 12, “Blessed are ye, when men shall rival you, … And shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. For great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Sometimes, as peacemakers, we must resist the impulse to respond. We can remain quiet with dignity. Jesus’s reaction when the chief priests vehemently accused him and mocked him was to answer them nothing. Sometimes, we should do the same.
A peacemaker actively try to see all sides and understand why others believe/feel/think the way they do. However, we must stick to God’s truth.
“Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable.”
(Dallin H. Oaks)
If we are to become true peacemakers, we should be prepared to defend our neighbors’ right to their opinions. If I expect others to respect my opinions, then I must respect theirs.
Boundary lines can exist without becoming battle lines.
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4 A Peacemaker is Active, Not Passive
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16)
How do we extinguish the fiery darts of the adversary? Certainly not by hiding our light under a bushel. We must remain confident in our faith, sharing our beliefs with conviction. Yet, without anger or malice.
We should not simply nod our heads in agreement to avoid contention. This might keep the peace temporarily. But muting our own beliefs or affirming someone else’s belief that goes against ours is not the way to peace.
Sometimes we avoid essential conversations because they are hard. But often they are necessary in order to build bridges of understanding. Sometimes, becoming a peacemaker means saying difficult things that others don’t want to hear.
But the work of a peacemaker is to disarm our enemies with love and share the truth peacefully.
A true peacemaker is not passive. They are persuasive in the Savior’s way.
#5 To Become a Peacemaker, We Must Be Kind
The Scriptures tell us we reap what we sow. Others will echo harsh words and vehement attitudes back to us. A soft word turneth away wrath. To become a peacemaker, we must listen and be slow and careful to respond, especially if discussing a sensitive topic when another’s feelings are involved.
It can be heartbreaking when we read or hear harsh or dismissive words about our Savior.
Gentleness and kindness address the way we wade into difficult situations. They are traits that breed peace. We can be calm amid a high-stakes discussion. We can try to be clearheaded when dealing with others. This creates safe spaces to address difficult topics.
John chapter 13 provides a perfect example of Jesus as a peacemaker. He lovingly washed the feet of the apostles, but we read, “He was troubled in spirit” as he contemplated Judas’s betrayal. Interestingly, Jesus spoke no more about the betrayal and his troubled feelings. Instead, he spoke to his apostles about love.
“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you… By this ye shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
When we possess the love of Christ, we can approach disagreements with meekness, patience, and kindness. Patience is especially crucial because it gives us the stamina to work through the process of making peace and building bridges.
