Blessed Are the Peacemakers: God’s Call in a Violent and Greedy World January 21, 2026 bizadmin Blessed Are the Peacemakers: God’s Call in a Violent and Greedy World We live in a time when hunger, greed, fear, and desperation are driving humanity toward division, violence, and moral collapse. Across nations and communities, people are willing to destroy one another for food, money, power, or control. Yet into this broken world, Jesus speaks words that stand in direct opposition to the spirit of violence: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (KJV/NIV) This statement is not a poetic sentiment. It is a divine mandate. To be a peacemaker is not optional for followers of Christ—it is a defining mark of God’s children. The World’s Way: Hunger, Greed, and Violence Scripture is honest about the condition of the human heart apart from God. When people are ruled by selfish desire, violence becomes inevitable. “From where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” — James 4:1 (NKJV) When hunger is unchecked, people steal. When greed is indulged, people exploit. When fear reigns, people kill. The world teaches survival at all costs—but Jesus teaches surrender, trust, and peace. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” — 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) Greed fuels conflict, but Christ calls His followers to a higher way. Jesus’ Radical Command: Love Your Enemies One of the most difficult teachings in all of Scripture is found in the Sermon on the Mount: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:44–45 (NIV) This command dismantles the natural human instinct for revenge. Jesus does not deny injustice; He transforms our response to it. Loving enemies is the very heart of peacemaking because it breaks the cycle of hatred. The cross itself is the ultimate example. While being mocked, beaten, and crucified, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34 (NIV) Peacemaking is costly. It demands humility, sacrifice, and trust in God’s justice rather than our own. Living at Peace in a Hostile World The apostle Paul understood the tension between God’s call to peace and the reality of a fallen world: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18 (NIV) Notice the balance. Paul acknowledges that peace may not always be reciprocated—but the responsibility of the believer is clear. We are accountable for our attitudes, words, and actions. He continues: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:17, 21 (NIV) Peacemaking does not mean passivity; it means responding with righteousness instead of retaliation. Ambassadors of Reconciliation Peace is not merely a moral ideal—it is the very mission of the gospel. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) Through Christ, God made peace with humanity: “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” — 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV) Believers are now called ambassadors of reconciliation, representing God’s peace in a fractured world. Our words, conduct, and relationships should reflect the gospel we proclaim. Peace and Holiness Go Together Biblical peace is not superficial harmony or compromise with sin. Scripture makes it clear: “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) True peace flows from righteousness. When we walk in obedience, humility, and love, peace follows. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” — Isaiah 32:17 (NIV) The Example of Christ: Prince of Peace Jesus is not only a teacher of peace—He is peace Himself. “For He Himself is our peace.” — Ephesians 2:14 (NIV) The prophet Isaiah foretold Him as: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dismantled hostility and created a new humanity grounded in reconciliation. A Call to the Church Today In an age of outrage, tribalism, and violence, the Church must stand apart. We cannot mirror the world’s anger while preaching the Prince of Peace. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” — Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Peacemaking begins in the heart, flows into families, churches, communities, and ultimately becomes a witness to the world. Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35 (NIV) Conclusion: Children of God in a Broken World When people are hungry and greedy, they may kill for food and money. But when people are filled with Christ, they become peacemakers. Peacemakers are not weak—they are courageous. They refuse to be ruled by fear, hatred, or greed. They reflect the heart of God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (NIV) May we live as true sons and daughters of our Father—ambassadors of reconciliation, lights in the darkness, and witnesses of Christ’s peace in a violent world.
