October 7

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

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🔊 This is a verse that was misquoted by US President Bill Clinton while trying to obtain peace in the Middle East.  (He said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall inherit the earth.”)  But this verse has less to do with politics and more to do with our attitude to those we rub shoulders with every day, in the home, at work and in the Church.  Peace does not just mean the absence of strife, though it obviously includes that.  If peace meant only the absence of conflict, then many could call themselves ‘peacemakers’ by doing nothing at all.  But standing on the sidelines is not being a peacemaker.  The disciple who has found God’s blessing on his or her life will not be content to sit and observe, but will actively promote the positive, loving atmosphere which produces that sense of well-being that the Bible calls peace.  The peacemaker holds no truck with the critical and cynical attitude of the world, and will hear no criticism of others unless convinced that there is a clear goal of improvement of the situation.  The peacemaker prays and works for peace in the home, and takes unjust treatment graciously and quietly.  The peacemaker finds good in every situation, and is able to speak well of every person they meet.  The peacemaker brings joy and gladness wherever they go, and they are welcome and loved for the healing balm they bring to all situations.  They shun arguments of all kinds – be they political, theological or even about which programme to watch on the television!  The peacemaker has an inner loyalty to his or her God and Father, who is proud of His sons and rejoices in the effect of their lives in this troubled world.