D.L. Moody quoted, “So, if we only lead one soul to Christ, we may set a stream in motion that will flow on when we are dead and gone.”

Our purpose on earth is to love people to Jesus. One of my greatest pet-peeves is to see Christians fighting and not getting along. I know our only hope for everyone to genuinely get a long is heaven. But let’s dive into the thought of what a peacemaker is. I believe that peacemakers are a little bit of heaven on earth.

In studying the beatitudes, in almost all cases, we can relate them to something in the Old Testament but in the sermon on the mount Jesus elevates them to new levels and teachings, Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of ideals that focus on love and humility rather than force and exaction. They echo the highest ideals of Jesus’ teachings on spirituality and compassion.

When Jesus quoted “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”, He was saying that when you pursue peace in your life and want that for others, you are called his children. We become part of the family of God. A peacemaker is beautiful. They can be bring calm to any situation or storm. A peacemaker has been traditionally interpreted to mean not only those who live in peace with others but also those who do their best to promote friendship among mankind and between God and man. Gregory of Nyssa interpreted it as “Godly work” which was an imitation of God’s love of man. John Wesley said, “the peacemakers endeavor to calm the stormy spirits of men, to quiet their turbulent passions, to soften the minds of the contending parties, and if possible reconcile them to each other. They use all innocent arts, and employ all their strength, all the talents which God has given, as well to preserve peace where it is and to restore it where it is not.”

In studying peacemakers, and the thought that peacemakers are the children of God, we should allow our differences to draw people to us, so that we can have healthy conversations about why our distinctions shape and make us the people we are. In the family of God, discussions about our differences should be welcomed. We should allow discussions from other people of faith, keeping in mind that our measuring stick is always the word of God and time spent in His presence.

In having difficult conversations I read this advice recently that will bring about peace conflict:

Dignity: I will treat you with dignity and respect

Humility: I can learn from you because my perspective and understanding are limited

Listening: I will listen with an open mind and do my best to suspend judgement.

Curiosity: I will be curious and ask you to tell me more so I can understand your perspective

Common ground: I will look for common ground as I get to know you

Creating peace in our relationships is very attainable. When we keep an open heart, centered on pleasing God above anything else in our life, we will attract peaceful relationships and open conversations. Pursue God with your whole heart and watch the world you live in change for the better and become a little heaven here on earth.