The peacemakers.

     Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
                                                                                                           Matt. 5:9 (KJV).

     In the world today there is very little peace. Nations are at war with one another, racism exists everywhere, there is political unrest, divided families, anger, suspicion, envy, and strife of every kind. As a result, few are truly happy, instead most people are filled with knotted up tension. 
    In contrast however, Jesus says that those who strive to live in peace are blessed (happy). As Christians, we are to pursue peace. As the KJV puts it, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men" (Heb. 12:14). We are the ones to take the initiative. Paul puts it this way, " As much as it depends upon you" (Romans 12:18). If someone has wronged us, we are to go to them to seek reconciliation. Don't wait for them to come and apologize first, it might never happen. If we are at fault, we must once again go first to apologize and make it right. We must do our part first, the rest depends upon the other party. Far too often we wait for the other person to move first, then we will forgive, then we will have restoration, then we will have peace, but that is not how a true peacemaker works for peace. Peacemakers take the iniative, they do whatever lies within their power, they make a diligent effort, to promote peace.
     This should be especially true within the church. Far to often we see churches weakened, and even destroyed, by discord and bitterness over things that truly have no bearing on the Kingdom of God. We are to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the BOND OF PEACE (Eph 4:3). Throughout the New Testament we see that as Christians we are to put others first, look out for each other, love each other from the heart, encourage each other, all of this, while we pursue God. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, with a common goal!
    Paul, in his letter to Timothy, desired that the Church would pray for those in authority, with the result that they would be able to live peaceful lives (1 Tim 2:1,2). In the same way we should still pray for our leaders, no matter who they are.
     If we follow after peace, we will be just like Christ who is our peacemaker (Eph 2:14-18). He gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure peace between us and God. Let us follow His example as we seek peace with all men.