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

Makers of Peace?    Believe it or not, one doesn’t have to be a trained diplomat to be a peacemaker. Even professionals aren’t very successful these days. It seems most everyone wants to be heard and not listen.

Today’s verse is taken from Yeshua’s Sermon on the Mount — specifically the beginning verses commonly called the Beatitudes. Children in Sunday and Shabbat Schools may even have memorized them, but these verses contain the essence of a “trained” peacemaker.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (vs. 3, TLV)

Gratitude: When we truly know our worth — no matter our earthly status — in our Father’s eyes, we should hold fast to gratitude. Knowing our worth when others treat us in an unworthy fashion gives us humble confidence that we are but strangers here in this world. Gratitude grounds us.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (vs. 4, TLV)

Empathy and Sympathy: I think we would be surprised by the percentage of folks who react badly to confrontation or injustice because they were victims themselves. Several folks in my childhood repeatedly said they would never be taken advantage of again. This resulted in cruel attitudes and behavior. Which, in turn, made it difficult to be a peacemaker.

What Jesus is saying here is that He will comfort us when we mourn. Mourning because of death, divorce, betrayal, whatever the circumstance He will send the Comforter. Those whose behaviors are cruel most likely need the Comforter. Using discernment with empathy/sympathy leaves us open to GOD’s wisdom.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (vs. 5, TLV)

Gentleness: One of the most difficult abilities is to stay calm and gentle during a confrontation or attack. Being quiet while someone rants doesn’t mean tuning them out. It means find that place of meekness and listen for the person/people’s hearts. It’s difficult to argue with someone who listens and doesn’t have a quick rebuttal. Eventually, they run out of steam. Perhaps then they themselves can listen.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (vs. 6, TLV)

Righteousness: Question: what makes us righteous? One answer: the redeeming work of our Savior. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we seek to follow our Messiah’s behavior. We’re not going to find it in this world. And too many souls misinterpret righteousness with being right.

Depending upon the circumstances — whether we’re in a debate with folks who call themselves Christians, or with those who freely admit to not being believers — remembering our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) is important. Holding Yeshua’s (Jesus) standard to the discussion gives us insights into where the discussion is heading.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. (vs. 7, TLV)

Mercy: The moment we remove mercy from our heart and attitude, we lose. Mercy doesn’t mean we condone behaviors or beliefs. It means we don’t react out of unforgiveness. No matter how rude or cruel.

This doesn’t mean we are to stand and take abuse. It means we can remove ourselves, forgive, and know that because Jesus showed us mercy, we can show mercy. Because when we don’t, the Savior’s righteousness will not be demonstrated in us, only our self-righteousness.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (vs. 8, TLV)

Humility: Being pure in heart, being humble, opens our hearts to truly hear from our Father. The Holy Spirit can better whisper insights, truths, revelations, and a deeper discernment when our hearts are pure. The moment we bring our flesh into the situation, we pollute the purity of that connection. Yes, even when we’re right.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (vs. 9, TLV)

Be Prepared for Persecution: Even if we do all the above perfectly, attempts at making peace may not be fruitful. And that’s okay, because the enemy of this world seeks to rob, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Some poor souls are puppets for that condemned enemy. So, even if we “fail” we aren’t really failures. We have the greatest outcome awaiting us. Eternity with the Creator of the Universe, our Daddy.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great! For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (vss. 11, 12, TLV)

It is the Holy Spirit’s job to touch and change hearts. The atoning power of Yeshua’s sacrifice will cloak a soul’s heart with righteousness. We can’t save, change, or redeem anyone. However, we can be peacemakers. And that is a blessed responsibility.