“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

When we think of war, we think of armies and battles happening somewhere “over there.” But war also happens all around us all the time. It may not devastate nations; it may not cause worldwide destruction. But it devastates lives and destroys relationships just the same.

The war around us is anger, hate, miscommunication, lying, and the many other attitudes and actions that break relationships and result in devastated families, ruined friendships, and tensions in the workplace. Though these scuffles between family members, friends, or fellow workers may not result in death and global destruction, the relationships that are destroyed are just as desolate and disheartening.

When you get into a situation where friendships are broken or relationships are damaged, how do you come out of it? Do you give up on the friendship or vow to forever hate that person? Or do you seek to restore the friendship or recover the relationship?

Jesus calls us to seek to restore relationships, not allow them to be destroyed. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” We all will face situations that make us upset with someone else. We all will do things that upset others. Whether you are the cause or the recipient of the hurt, those who would follow Christ and be like him must seek to recover relationships and make things right. Ephesians 4:3 tells us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Christians are called to peace in our relationships with others.

Why are we called to peace in relationships? It is because of the peace we have in our relationship with God. Romans 5 tells us that those who have been set right with God through faith are now at peace with God. We were once enemies of God and at war with him because of our sin. But when we come to God through faith in Christ, we are no longer enemies but become children of God and restored to a right standing before him (Ephesians 2:11-22; John 1:12). Because God has made peace with us, we should make peace with those around us.

Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Making peace is something God does with us and it is something we should do in our relationships. When situations come up that draw you toward hurting friendships and ruining relationships, make every effort to forgive, heal, and restore relationships instead. Your act of peacemaking will set you apart as a child of God.

Digging Deeper
Romans 5:1-11 – Peace with God
Ephesians 4:1-6 – Peace with others

From the series A Christ-Like Life: Developing the Character of Christ in Your Life by Joseph Preston