The Beatitudes and the Lessons They Convey- Part 3

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about being a peacemaker is that Jesus encouraged His followers—and all of us—to live in harmony and strive to maintain peace with those around us. But I can’t help but wonder if that’s really what Jesus meant? If you’re like me, you’ve probably had moments when it was tough to stay calm during conflicts, whether they were heated arguments, family disagreements, or even just minor misunderstandings. Instead of fostering peace, I’ve often found myself getting pulled into the chaos or feeling like I come across as being preachy.

So, what deeper message was Jesus trying to convey about the role of a peacemaker? It’s important to acknowledge that Jesus understood our limitations; He knew that achieving true peace would often be something beyond our own capabilities.

When I think about being a peacemaker, I imagine an oil diffuser. What do I mean? An oil diffuser is a device that spreads the aroma of essential oils throughout a room. When I fill my diffuser with fragrant oils, the scent fills my home, creating a soothing and welcoming atmosphere.

So, when Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” I envision Him seeing us as instruments destined to spread peace to everyone we meet, just like a diffuser spreads fragrance around a room. The Greek term for “peacemaker” in Greek is eirēnopoios, which refers to a person who is genuinely loving and dedicated to peace. This term doesn’t simply describe someone who enjoys inner peace; it also means someone who actively promotes peace in their interactions with others. It depicts a believer who reflects God’s essence in their daily actions, living a life firmly anchored in the Word of God and applying its teachings consistently.

You may think, “I read the Bible and try to embody its principles, but there are times when my ‘Old Self’ pops up.” If you feel this way, you’re definitely not alone. I recall a time when my grandchildren came to visit me for a few days. I hadn’t spent any time with the Lord or studied His Word one day. Because of this, something happened that triggered my old tendencies.  My granddaughter, Alana, made a wise observation: “Grammy, when you don’t spend time with Jesus, you become a bear.” Her words touched me and made me realize how important it is for me to spend quality time in my relationship with Him. Without that connection, I lose not only my own sense of peace, but I also fail to reflect His Shalom peace to those around me.

So, how can we show the world that we carry His Shalom peace? The answer lies in nurturing our relationship with Jesus and His Word. When we truly engage with Him, we naturally reflect His essence and peace. Often, words are unnecessary; people will recognize Jesus within us and feel the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Paul says in Romans 8:14, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” It is His Spirit that fills us with divine peace, enabling us to share it generously with the world. I know this journey is challenging, but we must remember that Christ lives within us, and the Holy Spirit is our guide. Jesus knew that we could not walk this path alone, which is why He sent the Holy Spirit to help us and remind us of His Word. When we continually abide in Jesus and immerse ourselves in Scripture, the world will see Him, not us.

Let us earnestly seek the Lord’s help in remaining close to Him and meditating on His Word day and night, so that we may reflect the presence of the Prince of Peace to those around us.

Reflection:

• What message are we conveying to the people we meet every day?
• When people interact with us, are they really seeing who we are, or are they catching a glimpse of the One living inside us?

 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I humbly recognize that I often fall short in embodying the peace that comes from You. There are times when my words and actions do not reflect the essence of Your love and grace. Please guide me, Lord, and help me to remain in Your presence at all times, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my steps so that I may reflect Your character rather than the remnants of my old self.

Teach me to embrace the role of a true peacemaker, instilling in me the wisdom to know the right moment to speak up and the discernment to be silent when needed. May those I interact with see the joy and light of Your Spirit in me, recognizing that I am indeed Your child—not only through what I say, but also through the way I live my life. I am grateful for Your guidance and love. In Your most precious name, I offer this prayer. Amen.

 

Reference:

• Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
• THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc.
• Gonzalez, S. (2024). The Backyard. [Photograph]. Personal photo collection.