The Beatitudes: Part 7 – Peacemakers
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Traditionally, “peacemakers” has been interpreted to mean not only those who live in peace with others, but also those who do their best work to promote friendship among humans and between God and humanity. In the fourth century, St. Gregory of Nyssa, interpreted it as “Godly work”, which is an imitation of God’s love of humans. John Wesley said the peacemakers’ endeavour is to calm the stormy spirits of humans, to quiet their turbulent passions, to soften the minds of opposing parties, and, if possible, reconcile them to each other. Peacemakers use all of their godly ability and employ all their strength—all the talents which God has given them—to preserve peace where it is, and to restore it where it is not. And of course, Jesus Christ was the supreme peacemaker. Jesus taught us how to live at peace with one another, but more importantly, He reconciled humans to God.