Peace: Maker or Breaker?

Photo by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matt 5:9 NIV).

“This beatitude is not about being a passively peaceful person but about being an active reconciler of people” (D. Turner, Matthew BECNT, 2008, n.p.). As a child of God we have no choice but to be peacemakers, just like we have no choice but to show mercy, mourn and be poor in spirit. This is not easy. This is hard work. This is messy. It is fitting that when one is pure in heart they would seek to make peace with God and others. For those of us who are in Christ, we are His ambassadors, His Agents of reconciliation in this dark and hurting world. There is a billboard in my town that says, “Know Jesus Know Peace; No Jesus No Peace.” I know all too well the truth of that saying.

I will confess I can be a peace-breaker far more than a peacemaker. I act like a peace-breaker when I demand to be heard, demand my own way, sow discord because I think I have been wronged. When I do not obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit when He stirs me to do something because of fear, anxiety or not wanting to be bothered, I am being a peace-breaker. When I am peace-breaking I am NOT acting like a called child of God; rather I am acting like the ruler of this world, the devil.

We all know this is not a peaceful world and it is becoming more hostile by the minute. God does not promise the world peace and reconciliation. He gives peace and reconciliation to His called, chosen, elect at salvation and continues to sanctify and make peace in His children’s lives when they obey and take heart in Him. “In a world full of all sorts of aggression, Jesus’s reminder that peacemakers (not warmongers) have God’s approval is sorely needed” (Turner, n.p.).

God’s shalom is more than just peace, it is wholeness. This shalom wholeness, completeness heals individually and corporately, so that individuals and the corporate Body of Christ can be agents of shalom in this world. Called in this verse is passive, we do not call ourselves children of God, God is the One who calls us His children. For those of us who are in Christ we are called His children now and at the end of the age.

Wherever you are today, if you do not know Christ, I pray that you will seek Him today while there is still time and for those who are in Christ may you be an agent of peace and reconciliation today.

Father God, thank You that Jesus is our Prince of Peace and that You are reconciling sinful people to Holy God by grace, through faith in Christ. Father God, thank You that You are able to put us together and make the broken pieces fit. Lord, when we look to the world for peace and reconciliation we will find that all the kings horses and all the kings men cannot put us nor Humpty Dumpty together again. Lord God, Your Church is sick and divided. We are seeking the things of this world rather than Your peace and reconciliation. May we seek common ground wherever possible. Lord God, for those of us who have experienced Your reconciliation, Your peace may we long to share that with others. May we be compelled to share Your Good News with others. Help us to be peacemakers rather than peace-breakers. Lord God, as the flowers and trees live peaceably together may Your people learn from nature as all creation points to You. Lord God, use this reader as an agent of Your peace and reconciliation. May we pour out our lives for You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

52 thoughts on “Peace: Maker or Breaker?”

  2. A very honest and beautiful post ❤️ I like your first quote, because really it’s super easy to be passive and assume that’s peaceful. But being an ACTIVE peacemaker really does take work and the guidance of the Holy Spirit! 🙂

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    1. Thank you for reading, Alan! You’re so right, godly peacemaking is revolutionary in our world today. How contrary and counter culture to society that makes war on those who disagree, who seek to divide rather than listening, understanding and prayerfully reconciling. I appreciate you SO much Alan! Love and blessings to you and Susan!

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  8. Most definitely relate, dear Mandy! I strive to be that peacemaker in all circumstances. It’s a key piece of what He has asked of me. And a challenge to say the least! Honestly, much more on the homefront than out in the world. I so appreciate your great insights here as well as your wonderful friendship. Blessings, love, and prayers!

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  9. “His Agents of reconciliation”. I love that. In all we say, in all we do, with that in mind, doesn’t it just change everything! Tell Nathan I said not to hog all the comments! (Just kidding!) Loved the post Mandy. Blessings!

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  14. A good post sister. We must wok hard to be a peace maker. I think in these days many are being stretched to be as gracious as possible even those believers when I disagree with them; thinking of that helps me to try to be a peace maker. But not easy. Not easy at all

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      1. God bless you! This morning I saw a FB of a brother in Christ who often take a stand for truth and often get mad fun of by family who are liberals. Today he posted about how saying Tom Bradly is a racist for winning the Super Bowl on February during African American month is too much hyperbole and downplay real racism. Surprisingly his brother who always attack him was reasonable and agreed; though he often doesn’t agree with his Christian brother. I was rejoicing and know the next day they might give this Christian a hard time again but I believe it was this man willing to speak truth and reasonably and lovingly and with nuanced that carries the day. I thought of your post of being peacemakers

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  16. I’m with you, Mandy! It can be easy to be a peace breaker, especially over social media. It’s something I have felt convicted about recently. I like what you point out about peace making being an intentional process. It’s something I need to work on.

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  18. Mandy this is a very timely post and no coincidence that I am reading it today.
    “Sow discord because I think I have been wronged”, I was instantly convicted last night of this very thing. How I hate it when the flesh has its ugly way! Argh!
    Amen! to your prayer dear one.
    Love in Jesus.

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      1. Yes, discernment is needed and sometimes
        being passive may be the correct course. Sometimes some people just enjoy arguing with each other for an adrenaline shot.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Ministry is going well today, small admin stuff with funding overseas missions that I had to talk to our deacons and also answering questions and contacting our youth a reminder about Youth Group

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    1. I ABSOLUTELY love y’all’s heart for overseas missions it is SO wonderfully refreshing!

      I do have a ministry question?! Was there a prayer email for this week? Lately I have been getting the email but this week I didn’t. I wrote down the prayers that you prayed for but didn’t have some of the late arriving prayers. I will have late arriving Valentines for y’all, sorry about that!

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