Summarized by John Mandarano
We can all agree that there is conflict all around us, whether externally or internally. Therefore, being a peacemaker is a needed attribute. But Bridges points out that Jesus was not talking to a select few, but all believers, when He said we should be peacemakers. He was speaking to us all to be peacemakers in our own lives when dealing with conflict.
Bridges points to several verses that show how the Bible discusses conflict (Galatians 5:15, 19-21; James 3:6-4:2; Proverbs 15:1). Most of the time conflict arises because of words that are said, whether our own or others speaking to us. Matthew 12:34 points to the fact that the words that we say are a reflection of our heart. Therefore, we must deal with our hearts first if we are to deal with our tongue. The first step to becoming a peacemaker is by dealing with our own sin. This will only happen if we are humble enough to admit our sin.
Bridges points to the fact that peacemaking is not an option, but a command. It is a command that we strive for peace (Hebrew 12:14). Bridges shows through Scripture that we are to have “a sincere desire and an earnest effort to bring about peace where there is conflict with another person.” Bridges then offers examples of how we are commanded to be peacemakers according to His Word.
We are to bless those who persecute us (Romans 12:14). We may not be physically persecuted as Paul was when he wrote this, but we are wronged in our daily life. When we are, we are to bless those who have wronged us. We also must not repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17) or avenge ourselves (Romans 12:19). We instead must forgive and hand it over to God to deal with those who have sinned against us. We are also instructed to pray for those who have wronged us (Matthew 5:44)
Instead of focusing on how what others say or do affects us, we should focus on Him. We should not selfishly seek to retaliate for our own name but instead seek to be peacemakers to lift up His Name. Again, this must be done in the heart. To change our sinful heart, we must seek the help of the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside. And we also must utilize the tools we have, prayer and Scripture, to fill ourselves with Him.
God will take care of those who have wronged us. It is not our role to exact justice, but to obey the Scriptures. As Jesus quietly trusted God while He was being wrongfully convicted (1 Peter 2:22-23) we also must trust God. By doing so, you are humbly accepting your role, and glorifying God in your role as peacemaker.
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