Jeremy Volland Supporter

Jesus told his disciples that he was giving them peace:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)

But at the same time he said that he did not come to bring peace on the earth:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
(Matthew 10:34)

The kind of peace that Jesus talks of is a kind of peace that only his followers can have and it is the peace that comes from receiving the saving work of Christ. It is not the absence of conflict and trouble as the world thinks of peace, but it is a still and comforted heart in spite of conflict and trouble. A peacemaker, then, is one that propagates this peace, that share the good news of Christ's salvation with others.

January 26 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

Good question. Step 1 is to "initiate a private meeting with the person involved to address the issue directly. This first step is crucial for fostering understanding and finding common ground." 
--verselocker.com 

Jesus said in Matthew 18:15, “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother." In other words, this is direct confrontation: Approach someone directly if they have wronged you, trying to resolve issues privately. 

"If we think someone’s got an issue with us, we go directly to them, also. We don’t just continue to worship, and act like there’s not anything wrong. The unity of the body is at stake. The glory of Jesus is under threat. So we go to that brother and sister and ask, 'Have I hurt you in some way? Are you and I ok?' And we seek to work it out. That’s what 'peacemakers' do. They seek out those they’ve wronged. And those who have wronged them. And try to maintain peace." -- Pastor Kevin P. Larson 

Step 2: "If the matter remains unresolved, bring a couple of trusted individuals to help mediate. Their presence can provide support and perspective, facilitating a more constructive dialogue." --verselocker.com 

(Jesus said in Matthew 18:16, "But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.")

Step 3: Jesus said in Matthew 18:17, 
"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church,
treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector." 

I.e. "if reconciliation is still not achieved, the issue may need to be brought before the church for discipline. This step emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and seeks a collective resolution." -- verselocker.com

January 12 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does "peacemaker" mean in Matthew 5:9?
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God."

To be "peaceable" literally means to be a "peacemaker." How does being a peacemaker make life more meaningful? For one thing, we enjoy better relationships with those around us.

In Romans 12:18, Paul goes beyond the need to be peaceable within the family circle. That includes neighbours, fellow employees, schoolmates, and people we meet in our public ministry.

The Bible's advice in Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men."

That means doing all we reasonably can to be "peaceable with all", but not to the extent of compromising God's righteous principles.

A peacemaker in Matthew 5:9 actively works to create, restore, and sustain peace, reflecting God's own character. Jesus is not describing a passive personality, but someone who steps into conflict to bring reconciliation, healing, and wholeness. 

Meaning of "peacemaker"

The Greek term eirēnopoioi combines eirēnē (peace) with poieō (to make). It describes someone who constructs peace, not merely someone who avoids conflict. This is the only time the word appears in the New Testament, emphasising its deliberate use. 

A peacemaker is therefore:

A peace‑creator, not a peace‑lover

Someone who initiates reconciliation

Someone who takes risks to mend division

Someone who builds conditions for human flourishing, not just quietness 

The biblical background

In Hebrew thought, shalom means wholeness, harmony, completeness, not simply the absence of conflict. A peacemaker works toward this deeper form of well‑being. 

The Old Testament consistently portrays peace as something God Himself establishes, and Jesus continues this theme by presenting peacemaking as a divine activity His followers must imitate. 

The role of a peacemaker

Peacemaking involves action, not avoidance. It may require entering difficult situations, confronting wrongdoing, or mediating between opposing sides. It can be costly, because genuine peace often requires truth, repentance, and justice. 

Peacemakers:

Reconcile people to God.

Reconcile people to one another.

Promote righteousness as the foundation of peace.

Accept personal sacrifice to heal division. 

Why peacemakers are called"children of God"

Jesus says peacemakers will be called God's children because they mirror God's own work. God reconciles humanity to Himself through Christ, and those who pursue reconciliation display the family likeness. 

Peacemaking is therefore not just moral behaviour; it is participation in God's mission.

What this means for daily life

Being a peacemaker can involve:

Healing fractured relationships

Addressing conflict with humility and courage

Creating environments where people can thrive

Speaking truth that leads to restoration

Choosing forgiveness over retaliation 

It is a calling that touches personal, communal, and spiritual life.

Summarising the topic

A peacemaker in Matthew 5:9 actively brings reconciliation and wholeness, reflecting God's nature and participating in His work of restoring relationships. It is a courageous, intentional calling that seeks harmony rooted in truth, justice, and compassion.

October 03 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report