BEING A PEACEMAKER

Being a Peacemaker 

by Susan Barnes

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Peacemakers aren’t peace-at-any-price people but rather those who are determined to rebuild a damaged relationship. Joseph in the Old Testament is a good example. His brothers left him for dead and yet years later when Joseph had the opportunity to punish his brothers, he not only didn't do it but instead pursued a relationship with them. This wasn’t an easy thing for Joseph to do and three times we find him weeping as he works through the process of restoration (Genesis 42:24, 43:30 and 45:14).

Peacemaking doesn't ignore the offence, Joseph said quite bluntly to his brothers, "You intended to harm me," but he then goes on with the divine perspective, "but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). It would have been so easy for Joseph to ignore his brothers when they visited Egypt since they didn’t even recognise him. Yet Joseph went to great lengths to restore his relationship with all his brothers.

Peacemaking takes time and often doesn't come naturally. Joseph wasn’t born a peacemaker. As a young boy he had been quite provocative, but in the 30 years that Joseph spent in Egypt, he learned God’s ways and even then he had to wait for an opportunity to reconnect with his family.

Peacemaking is hard work and not always possible, Romans 12:18 instructs us: 

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 

God has promised to bless the person who is willing to seek reconciliation and be a peacemaker. 

Susan, an Australian pastor's wife, regularly writes devotional thoughts on Bible passages, book reviews and inspirational articles. Contact