Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

King James Version (1900)

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

New International Version

This verse is one of the well-known Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a passage in the Bible that calls believers to embrace a life reflecting God’s heart. In this particular verse, Jesus speaks to the importance of peacemaking, elevating those who work for peace to a special relationship with God.

Who Are the Peacemakers?

In biblical terms, a peacemaker is someone who actively seeks to bring peace into their surroundings. It’s not simply avoiding conflict or staying quiet to prevent tension, but rather engaging in the hard work of reconciliation, forgiveness, and understanding.

A peacemaker actively works to restore relationships and cultivate harmony in a world often marked by division, misunderstanding, and conflict. While this can happen on a small, personal level, it can also have a broader social or even global impact when believers work toward justice and reconciliation on a larger scale.

Why Are Peacemakers “Blessed”?

In the Beatitudes, Jesus flips the script on what society values. Instead of celebrating the powerful, wealthy, or successful, Jesus calls “blessed” those who are humble, merciful, and in this case, peacemakers. Peacemaking, though often difficult and thankless, is praised by Jesus because it reflects God’s heart.

God Himself is a God of peace. Throughout Scripture, He is called the “God of peace” (Romans 15:33, Hebrews 13:20). He made peace between Himself and humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus, reconciling us to Himself (Colossians 1:20). When we pursue peace, we are imitating God, and that’s why we are called “children of God.”

To be called a child of God means we are identified with His character. Just as children often resemble their parents, peacemakers are recognized as being part of God’s family because they reflect His nature of bringing reconciliation and peace into the world.

Peacemaking in a Divided World

In today’s culture, which is increasingly polarized, this verse is especially relevant. Whether it’s online debates, political divisions, or personal conflicts, many areas of life are filled with tension. The challenge Jesus presents is clear: Christians are to be different. We are to bring the light of peace into these situations, offering understanding and reconciliation when the world seems to thrive on division.

This doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations or difficult topics, but approaching them with a heart of reconciliation rather than confrontation. It also means being the first to apologize, seeking to understand other perspectives, and bringing God’s peace into stressful or chaotic environments.

Practical Ways to Be a Peacemaker

• Start at home. Peacemaking begins in our personal lives. Whether in family, friendships, or work relationships, seek to resolve conflicts with a spirit of humility and understanding. Being willing to forgive, listen, and find common ground is key.
• Stand up for reconciliation. In situations of social injustice or division, Christians are called to be voices of peace and reconciliation. This doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths, but working toward healing and restoration in broken communities.
• Pray for peace. We can pray for peace in our own lives, our communities, and the world. Asking God to guide us in being instruments of His peace is a powerful way to keep this Beatitude at the forefront of our actions.
• Promote peace on social media. Instead of contributing to the endless cycle of arguments and division online, aim to be a calming and wise presence. Share words of hope, avoid unnecessary arguments, and offer encouragement to those who are hurting.

The Reward: Children of God

Finally, Jesus promises a reward for peacemakers. They will be called the children of God. This title signifies a close, personal relationship with God, but it also points to how others will see the peacemaker’s resemblance to their Father in heaven. When we work for peace, we reveal God’s character to the world, showing that we are part of His family and reflecting His love and desire for reconciliation.

Wrapping up Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 reminds us that peacemaking is not a passive task but an active pursuit. It requires humility, patience, and love, but the reward is great; a deeper relationship with God and the blessing of being called His child. In a world that is often full of conflict, peacemakers shine brightly, bringing hope and restoration wherever they go. As followers of Christ, let us strive to be those who pursue peace, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of God.