Kingdom Values, part 4: Why Do We Settle for Mediocre Peace?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). In these simple yet profound words, Jesus sets forth a fundamental characteristic of those who follow Him – we are called to be peacemakers in a world often defined by conflict, in an election season that is marked by division and bitterness. But what exactly does it mean to be a peacemaker? After all, isn’t (almost) everyone for peace? Perhaps the question we need to ask is: how are the people of God supposed to go about pursuing peace? Jesus elaborates in Matthew 5:38-48, challenging our natural instincts with His teachings. Instead of “an eye for an eye,” He calls us to turn the other cheek. Rather than loving only those who love us, we’re instructed to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This isn’t passive acceptance of wrongdoing, but an active choice to break the cycle of retaliation. When we choose to respond to hostility with kindness, to hatred with love, we reflect the character of our heavenly Father, who “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Being a peacemaker means taking the first step toward reconciliation, even when we’re not at fault. It means seeking understanding instead of winning arguments. It means choosing forgiveness over resentment, and mercy over judgment. In our country during this election season, we have daily opportunities to be peacemakers. Each time we choose love over hatred, understanding over judgment, and reconciliation over division, we don’t just make peace – we demonstrate our identity as children of God. May we embrace this challenging but blessed calling, striving to be perfect in love, just as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Caleb McCaughan – Pulpit Minister | Manchester Church of Christ
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Why Do We Settle for Mediocre Peace? – session 4 in the Kingdom Values Series
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