06/09/2026
One look at the world around us makes it undeniably clear: peace isn't going to make itself.
Nations are at war, communities are divided, and many of us are dealing with personal relationships strained by bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean directly into Jesus’ wisdom from the seventh beatitude:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." — Matthew 5:9
Peacekeeping vs. Peacemaking
Let’s be clear: peacemaking is vastly different from peacekeeping.
Jesus never promised a life free of conflict; in fact, He assured us that as long as we are on this earth, we will face trouble. There will always be chaos, division, and misunderstandings. That is precisely why peacemaking requires active, intentional effort. It compels us to step out of our comfort zones and into the fragile, tender spaces where healing is needed.
If you are ready to step up and lead the way, keep these four core principles in mind:
Lead with Humility: None of us is perfect, none of us is God, and we all desperately need grace. True peace begins when we adopt a posture of humility.
Lead with Empathy: Even when we fundamentally disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential to bridging the gap.
Lead with Truth and Grace: Jesus never compromised on either. To accurately represent Him, we must balance unwavering truth with unconditional grace.
Lead to the Feet of Jesus: Apart from Him, we can do nothing. When we recognize our mutual brokenness—and our mutual need for Christ—everything changes.
The Ultimate Goal
Stepping in as a mediator doesn't guarantee that every problem will be solved immediately, or even at all. But when we invite God into those fractured spaces and commit to the hard work of making peace, He can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
