At the end of Matthew 7, Jesus declares plainly that those who hear his words and do them are like wise builders, but those who only hear and don’t obey are like foolish builders. The wise builders’ house stands, and the other collapses. Disobedience, according to the Beatitudes, has a definite end—destruction, whereas for obedience, salvation. So the real question we must ask ourselves is simple: “Am I a wise man or a foolish man?” Am I just hearing Christ’s words… or am I actually doing them?
Peacemakers: A Kingdom Identity
One of the clearest expressions of Kingdom character is found in the beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers“. But what exactly does that mean? A peacemaker, in this context, isn’t just someone who avoids conflict or loves harmony. Here, a peacemaker is someone who promotes God’s peace—shalom. This word means far more than the absence of war. It refers to total or complete well-being, both personally and communally. It’s the restoration of things to the way God intended them to be. Peacemakers are reconcilers. They mend what’s broken. They carry within them the atmosphere of heaven into the chaos of earth.
In the ordinary world, we have organizations like the United Nations, which are known for their efforts to bring peace to war-torn countries through joint efforts with other international defense forces. However, the peace they offer is temporal. Many times, that is what human effort can afford us—temporary solutions. The best way to pursue peace is by seeking God. So, why should we be peacemakers?
1. To Align with God’s Character
God is Jehovah Shalom—the Lord of peace. His very identity is peace. In fact, when chaos broke out in the Garden of Eden, after the great deception, it was God who reached out first. He made the first move toward peace (Genesis 3). That’s who he is. That’s what he does. And he didn’t stop there. Through the blood of his Son, he reconciled all things to himself—things in heaven and on earth (Colossians 1:20). The Lord of peace gives us peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16). But this peace isn’t without effect. Scripture tells us that the God of peace sanctifies us completely—spirit, soul, and body—preparing us for the coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). You cannot separate God from peace. He is peace. So, if you claim to know him, you must reflect his likeness.
2. That’s the Accomplishment of the Son
Jesus came to establish eternal peace between God and man. Isaiah called him the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and he lived up to that title. At the cross, Jesus completed the only peacekeeping effort that truly lasted. He said he was giving us peace—not as the world gives (John 14:27). Worldly peace is fragile and temporal. But the peace Christ gives is deep, unwavering, and eternal. Paul reminds us that since we’ve been justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus (Romans 5:1). No one can claim to have peace with God without placing their trust in Christ. Through his death, Jesus broke down every dividing wall between God and humanity, as well as among human beings (Ephesians 2:14-17). He abolished the hostility and established a new kind of humanity. Do you have peace with God? Are you reconciled to him?
3. The Responsibility of the Adopted Sons
Now that peace has been made, we are not just to be beneficiaries—we are called to be peace ambassadors. Every believer has a daily mandate to pursue peace. It will not always be easy. It’s often uncomfortable. But it’s part of what it means to be God’s child. As Charles Spurgeon so boldly put it, “Our love ought to follow the love of God… Has anybody offended you? Seek reconciliation. ‘Oh, but I am the offended party.’ So was God, and He went straight ahead and sought reconciliation.” Yet Scripture agrees: “As far as it depends on us, we are to live peaceably with everyone” (Romans 12:18). And when we do, we can be confident that the God of love and peace will be with us (2 Corinthians 13:11).
What Peacemaking Does NOT Mean
Let’s be clear: pursuing peace does not mean we become passive or ignore injustice. It doesn’t mean becoming doormats that people walk on without a care. It doesn’t mean letting wrongs go unchecked or avoiding keeping others accountable for their actions. Lastly, it doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or suppressing truth. Biblical reconciliation faces the facts—however hard they may be. God didn’t sweep sin under the carpet. He dealt with it head-on, on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16). Likewise, true peacemakers walk in both truth and grace.
We Reconcile People to God
Our highest calling as peacemakers is not just mending relationships—it’s reconciling the lost to God through the gospel. This is what being Christ’s ambassadors essentially entails (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our message is clear: “Be reconciled to God”. Every time we share the gospel, we spread the message of true peace. Not a cheap peace, not emotional escapism, but the kind of peace that saves souls and restores eternities. Kingdom people are consumed by one thing: the glory of God among the nations—their driving mission: the fame of God among men. To back this up, Jesus gave us the authority to go and make disciples, to baptize, and to teach (Matthew 28:19). This is how we establish peace in light of eternity.
But what happens when peacemaking fails? There are moments when peacemaking doesn’t go as we had hoped. Jesus himself declared that he didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). Not everyone will welcome truth. Not everyone will embrace the gospel. Still, we press on. As John Piper once said, “You must love peace and work for peace… But you must never abandon your allegiance to [God] and [his] word, no matter how much animosity it brings down on your head.” Sometimes, obedience brings hostility. However, we are not in the wrong when we stand for God’s truth in love.
The Reward
So what becomes of the peacemakers? Jesus assures that a heaven-sized reward awaits. Peacemakers receive a new identity: they shall be called sons of God. Why? Because they reflect the Father’s heart. They walk like Christ. They live out the gospel—not just with words, but with character. In a world filled with chaos and division, their lives declare something eternal: Heaven rules here. This is not a call to comfort but to Christlikeness. It’s not about avoiding conflict—it’s about resolving it God’s way. And it’s certainly not about neutrality. It’s about active engagement in the ministry of reconciliation.
So today, as you reflect on Christ’s words, ask yourself: Am I building my house on the rock or on the sand? Am I living out these beatitudes—or am I just admiring them? Am I a peacemaker in my church, in my world? May we all take up this holy calling—not just to hear the words of Christ—but to do them. Only then will we know the joy of being called sons and daughters of the Most High.