Peacemaking is an important theme in the Bible. Scripture encourages believers to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in relationships and society. Several Bible passages discuss the qualities of peacemakers and the blessings they receive from God.
Old Testament Verses on Peacemaking
In the Old Testament, peacemaking is associated with righteousness, justice, and acting faithfully towards God. Here are some key verses:
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)
- “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
- “Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22 ESV)
- “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18 ESV)
- “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18 ESV)
The book of Isaiah associates peacemaking with righteousness and justice:
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 ESV)
We also see how peacemaking pleases God in Proverbs:
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7 ESV)
Pursuing peace is connected to acting faithfully towards God in this verse from Psalms:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” (Psalm 122:6 ESV)
Overall, the Old Testament sets the foundation that peacemaking pleases God and aligns with living righteously.
New Testament Verses on Peacemaking
In the New Testament, Jesus expands the command to pursue peace, teaching that peacemakers reflect the nature of God. Here are some key verses:
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)
- “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
- “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:17-18 ESV)
- “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14 ESV)
Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers during the Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)
He teaches that pursuing peace reflects God’s holy nature:
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
Romans and Ephesians connect peacemaking to the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross. As Paul writes:
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14 ESV)
The New Testament affirms that peacemakers demonstrate the family likeness of God and carry on the reconciling work of Jesus.
Qualities of a Biblical Peacemaker
Scripture describes the attitudes and actions of effective peacemakers. Here are some key qualities:
- Pursues harmony: “Strive for peace with everyone…” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
- Avoids revenge: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’.” (Proverbs 20:22 ESV)
- Seeks reconciliation: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18 ESV)
- Sows peace: “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18 ESV)
- Sacrificial love: “To put to death what is earthly in you…anger, wrath, malice…and put on love.” (Colossians 3:5-14 ESV)
Peacemakers actively pursue peace and reconciliation, even when it means sacrificing their rights and absorbing offenses. They operate in humility, grace, and love.
The Blessing and Joy of Peacemaking
The Bible promises that peacemakers will experience the blessing and joy of God. Some key verses include:
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)
- “The fruit of righteousness will be peace.” (Isaiah 32:17 ESV)
- “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who keep the peace.” (Psalm 119:1-2 NLT)
- “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV)
As children of God, peacemakers experience divine blessing. They enjoy the fruit of righteousness described in Isaiah. Psalm 119 connects peacekeeping with joy. According to Hebrews, holiness leads to peace and the privilege of seeing God.
Examples of Biblical Peacemakers
Scripture offers several examples of biblical peacemakers. Here are a few key figures:
- Abraham: “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matthew 5:9 ESV) Interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18.
- Moses: Sought peace between the Egyptians and Israelites in Exodus.
- Jesus: Made peace between God and humans. “He himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14 ESV)
- Stephen: Forgave his persecutors as he was martyred in Acts 7.
- Paul: Urged: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18 ESV)
These examples illustrate how peacemakers throughout Scripture sought reconciliation even in the face of conflict and persecution.
How to Become a Biblical Peacemaker
Based on these Bible verses, here are some ways to become a more effective biblical peacemaker:
- Pray for God’s help to pursue peace.
- Actively seek reconciliation with others, even enemies.
- Let go of anger, revenge, and hostility towards people.
- Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, like love and patience, to relate peacefully. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Sacrifice personal rights and self-interest for the sake of harmony.
- Meditate on Scripture passages about peacemaking.
- Whenever possible, live at peace with people. (Romans 12:18)
The Bible provides rich insight into peacemaking. God desires for believers to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in all relationships. As peacemakers, Christians can reflect God’s holy character and experience the joy of His blessing.