POWERFUL PEACEMAKERS

What is a peacemaker? Is it someone who gives in to avoid conflict? A historic example of this would be Neville Chamberlain, who was willing to give up part of Czechoslavakia for Hitler's promise to leave Great Britain alone. Rather than a peacemaker, that is a conciliator. Of course, Hitler reneged on the Munich Agreement once he had consolidated Czechoslavakia, and World War II began when he invaded Poland.

A peacemaker is one who mediates between two parties at odds and helps bring harmony to the discord. Perhaps the most historic example in U.S. history was the Camp David Accords, wherein the U.S. (under Jimmy Carter at the time) helped negotiate peace between Israel and Egypt. What is required of a peacemaker? They must work from a position of strength. Think of a father between siblings, a boss between employees or a king between lesser lords.

As believers, how are we to be peacemakers? Paul tells us, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18). Our lives are to reflect, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding," (Philippians 4:7) which Christ has promised us (John 14:27). When others note the peace which marks our lives, despite the vagaries of life, they are drawn to that strength of character. This allows us to broker the ultimate peace, between God and man, which Jesus has brokered for us all by His death, burial and resurrection. "(A)lways be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you . . .." (I Peter 3:15)