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

“A peacemaker is a person who breaks up fights,” says Doug, age 10.

Is this a referee or more like a bouncer? “If you try not to start fights but settle them, you will be thanked,” says Davis, 10.

Often the peacemaker is misunderstood, blamed and persecuted for trying to prevent strife and conflicts.

“God will make us peacemakers if we show the peace we already have,” says Stephanie, 8.

Exactly. How can we bring peace to others if our insides are churning? World peace begins with inner peace.

“A peacemaker is someone who actively pursues peace,” says Kristin, 10. “The peace comes from Jesus so that we can bring peace to others. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Followers of Christ are true peacemakers.”

The work of God among those who accept Jesus as God’s son creates a new family of peacemakers that transcends race, culture and economics. But the flip side is that the members of your natural family might not be excited about your new peace with God. In fact, they might think you’re crazy.

Peacemaking is provocative. The peacemaker, “by laying bare the violence that must be overcome, frequently appears to be the fomenter of the very violence being opposed,” writes author Gene Davenport. “But this violence otherwise remains hidden or denied. Jesus himself is the prime example of this fate of peacemaking.”

When Jesus was born, shepherds in the field heard angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” The good news of the gospel is the only hope for harmonious relationships.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. But he also said the second commandment is like the first: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Hebrew greeting “shalom,” which is translated as “peace,” means far more than a lack of conflict. It includes perfect welfare, serenity, prosperity and happiness. Righteous personal relationships, intimacy and fellowship are uninterrupted in an atmosphere of shalom. Goodwill among people prevails.

Here’s an example: “One day, my friend was so mad at something,” says Wes, 11. “No one knew what it was he was mad at. I went over to him, and I said, ‘The Lord is with you, and he will settle your heart down.’ After that, he wasn’t mad the rest of the day.”

It’s hard for us to imagine a world of harmony, peace and true righteousness. Adam and Eve’s fall introduced strife, discord, chaos and division. World history is a series of conflicts with an occasional peace interlude brought on by a spiritual awakening or enforced by a strong army. Peacemakers have their work cut out for them.

“God loved his enemies,” says Lee, 10. “We should love our enemies.”

Some say we’re known by our enemies. Better yet, we should be known by how we treat our enemies. A Christian’s experience of God’s presence should function as a bright light shining in a world full of darkness, agitation and confusion.

Consider this description of the first-century Jerusalem church: “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:46-47).

Think about this: God’s peaceful presence can make you a peacemaker.

Memorize this truth: Matthew 5:9 quoted above. Ask this question: Are you a peacemaker or an agitator?

--- Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAbout-God.org/email.

© 2024 Carey Kinsolving