Peace!

Peace!

Matthew 5:9 AMP

[9] “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Another category of persons that God calls blessed are the makers and maintainers of peace. Reflect on this: there are people who choose peace over being proven right. They know who they are, they know what is right and fair, but without compromising on their faith in God, or breaking the law, they are able to find a way out of conflict or trouble. It does not mean that they are weak; they have just found a higher calling and a more efficient way to make God known. What makes this even more important is the truth that those who seek to be like God have to show off His nature and characteristics. How else can I show God off than to show off His nature?

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He did not come to lay aside the law that prescribed punishment for sin, but He came to fulfil and discharge its requirements in a different way. He died in the place of those who actually did the wrong, but in His sacrifice, He has opened up a new way of access to God, and by Him, we now have His life in us, His name on us, and His nature in and shining through us. When we speak, we reflect His identity. When we relate, we show off His presence and power in us. This is why it has always been emphasized that this message is for disciples and not the uncommitted majority. Am I one of His disciples, or am I still one of the crowd?

Why is peace the focus? Peace is defined as 'much more than the mere absence of conflict or war. It is a holistic state of completeness, soundness, well-being, and harmony. It is a state of right relationship with God, oneself, and others, ultimately rooted in the character of God'. This is the strength and power of the peace that is spoken about here: it flows from God to us, and it impacts all areas of our lives. It is hard to compartmentalise my life and only allow God's peace to thrive in some areas of my life. If God does not control all, it will be hard for that life to really experience the version of peace that is the focus here. Is God in full control of my life? Does He own all?

The world is looking out for the difference. 8t has seen all versions of conflicts, as well as pretenders. It is those who have God that can show off this right version of peace. If I have Him, I am able to make and maintain peace. It does not mean that everyone will believe or accept the message, but they know where I stand and who I believe in. Jesus also told His disciples then, and He also tells us now that if we let His peace reign in and through us, we express His character, and men will see His imprint in and on us. What grace it is for men to call me a child of God, because they can see His life in me. Can the same be said of you? God's time of favour is here.