“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

When I was growing up, I was named the “peacemaker” in my family (salute to all the middle-child peacemakers out there). I earned the title in part for helping my siblings navigate heated situations, like conflicts about who would do which chores or debated calls in our backyard games. A peacemaker is typically understood to be a person who mediates conflicts and helps opposing parties find compromise. However, in the world today, a peacemaker might be mistaken as someone who is skilled at deflating tension and avoiding confrontation. How often do we pursue worldly peace that merely mutes disagreement and hides areas of division? While doing this may provide us with temporary relief, we will ultimately remain distant from our neighbors, families, and even ourselves.

The word that is translated as “peacemaker” in Matthew 5:9 is a Greek word that defines “peacemaking” quite differently. The definition says this: “Properly, a peacemaker bravely declares God’s terms which makes someone whole” (Discovery Bible).

Knowing and bravely declaring God’s terms—namely, who God is and how He loves us—restores peace. The enemy tries to convince us that the artificial harmony and “unconditional tolerance” that the world offers brings about unity, but this evasive approach to conflict only reinforces the divisions. It is the crucified love of Jesus Christ that heals our sin and relational ruptures, and declaring his terms of mercy will draw us together in truth and peace.

In a world that longs for communion, it is my prayer that you and I have the courage to be true peacemakers to our brothers and sisters so that we would all experience the joy of being called children of God.