Are you a peacemaker? How about the people that you surround yourself with? I think that all of us are weak at times, seeking the exact opposite of peace when things are not going well or when we are in a foul mood. In these instances, what do we make? Trouble, conflict, even war.

The teachings on the Sermon of the Mount are often taken like the teachings of a fortune cookie, but I urge you not to take these words of Jesus lightly. These are not meant to be clever quips in order to interest his listeners. These are the urges of Christ in an attempt to save our souls, in order to show us the path to heaven.

Think about what it would mean to truly be "a peacemaker." Someone that seeks peace with all that they do, say, and think. Someone that MAKES peace with all that they do, say, and think. I certainly fall so short of this command. Even the words that I am currently writing have a tinge of aggression behind them, but it is because I want the world to be a more peaceful pace. Think about what is happening in current events: is there anything that the world needs more than a little more peace and understanding? Think if even a small percentage of the people of earth truly were peacemakers. What a profound different that would have on the events that happen every day! Be a peacemaker yourself and lead by example. If you seek peace, I believe that it will touch others around you and lead them to do the same.

We are all sons of God through our faith. One step in the right direction is by seeking peace. Pray with this verse in mind, ask for forgiveness about an event where you did not seek peace. Quiet a troubled heart and hold this verse in your heart for the next time. The Spirit of God is a peaceful one, and our salvation relies on a peaceful, righteous, and faithful spirit. We must love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), our neighbors, ourselves, and God (Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 22:36-40). Do these things and I have no doubt that you will create peace with all that you do, say, and think. Thanks be to God.

Matthew 5:19