>>>

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers. (the 7th Beatitude)

Matthew 5:9 (KJV) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

INTRODUCTION

   The Beatitudes are widely understood as a direct self-portrait of JESUS' CHARACTER, revealing the virtues and spiritual dispositions that define Him, such as humility (poor in spirit), compassion (mourning), meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, and a pursuit of peace, showing His ideal inner life and how His followers should also live as citizens of His kingdom.
   In essence, the Beatitudes aren't just a list of rules but a blueprint of Jesus's own blessed life and character, inviting His followers to embody these divine qualities as they live in His kingdom.

   Many Christian traditions view the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) as revealing a progressive path or STEPS OF CONVERSION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH, outlining a journey from acknowledging spiritual need (poor in spirit) through mourning, meekness, and hungering for righteousness, culminating in mercy, purity, and peacemaking, showing a transformation from an earthly to a heavenly mindset. Each blessing builds on the last, creating a roadmap for a new way of being in God's Kingdom.

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Among the long list of Martin Luther King Jr.'s accomplishments is his advocacy for the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Both acts changed the course of US history forever. The only thing that eclipsed what MLK Jr. did is how he did it: peacefully. Despite being arrested twenty-nine times on charges ranging from civil disobedience to traffic violations - considered by many to be trumped-up charges - he never resorted to violence to defend himself. His constant message was this: "HATE CANNOT DRIVE OUT HATE, ONLY LOVE CAN DO THAT." In fact, his stance of nonviolence won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making him the youngest recipient of his time, at the age of thirty-five.
   As a minister, activist, and one of the most famous modern-day pacifists, Martin Luther King Jr. followed Jesus, the best example of all time. Jesus knew that physical confrontation and condemnation made others defensive and combative. Instead, He used love and tenderness.
   Even when Christ was arrested on His own trumped-up charges, He never once fought back or uttered a word in His own defense (Isaiah 53:7), even when whipped and beaten.
   To celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., may we model his Christlike peacefulness and be an example of love in all situations. Claire McGarry
   Faith Step: If you're inclined to respond to someone with condemnation, try peace instead. Take note of the outcome. [Mornings With Jesus 2026 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

COMMENTARY

Christ is "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1. Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.  There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.  Christ's followers are sent to the world with the message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker. MB27-28

   To have peace with God and to have the peace of God in our hearts is not enough. This vertical relationship must have a horizontal outworking, or our faith is in vain. Jesus said that we were to love the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves.
   This dual love for God and others is like the positive and negative poles of a battery - unless both connections are made, we have no power. A personal faith is normally useless unless it has a social application. (A notable exception would seem to be the thief on the cross, who repented only moments before his death - and yet countless people have been touched over the centuries by his example of faith.)
   If we have peace with God and the peace of God, we will become peacemakers. We will not only strive to be at peace with our neighbors, but we will be leading them to discover the source of true peace in Christ. Is the peace of Christ in your life overflowing to others? [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham]

AI COMMENTARY

   A peacemaker is someone who actively works to bring reconciliation, harmony, and right relationships, both with God and with others, not just avoiding conflict but overcoming evil with good, and they are blessed because they become known as children of God, reflecting His own nature as the ultimate reconciler. These individuals share God's mission by bridging divides, offering forgiveness, and promoting understanding, even when it's difficult.
   What a peacemaker is:
      o Active Reconciler: Someone who initiates peace, not just one who enjoys it.
      o Bridges Divides: Works to unite people, breaking down barriers between groups (like rich/poor, different ethnicities) through the Gospel.
      o Overcomes Evil with Good: Responds to conflict with humility, forgiveness, and love, rather than escalating the situation.
      o Embodies God's Ministry: Carries the message of reconciliation from God to humanity, making peace with God first.
      o Sows Righteousness: Cultivates understanding and love, leading to lasting peace and a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).
   Why they are blessed:
      o Called Children of God: Their actions mirror God's character, identifying them as His true children.
      o Reflect God's Nature: They bring the peace of God (Shalom) into a world filled with strife.
      o Share God's Mission: They participate in Jesus's work of making peace between God and humanity, and between people.

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220710-0845.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220304-0825.html

Matthew 5:9 - What Is A Peacemaker.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20051024-1030.html