What does the Bible say about Being a Peacemaker

An essay I wrote at 15

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” (Matthew 5:9). This is from the Sermon on the Mount, particularly from the Beatitudes. Obviously, Jesus thinks that this is important. If Jesus thinks this is important, I think that we should think it important, as well.

That’s why mom has had us studying it in school.

One way to be a peacemaker is to not blow up at other people. Don’t start arguments, and don’t give others reasons to start them with you. Be nice to others and practice the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Notice: not what they did to you. This is another part of peacemaking, not swinging back when someone else starts the argument. It is very hard to do sometimes, though.

A third way to be a peacemaker is to smooth out pre-existing fights. Mediating between two non-talking parties is an excellent way to do this. This is the hardest way, as it doesn’t personally involve yourself, and you always have the greatest amount of control over yourself. Try to stay out of other people’s conflicts, though

I’m not saying the first two are easy, it isn’t, but at least it’s only you that you are trying to control. And you don’t sound like a goody-goody in someone else’s fight. The second is probably the easiest, as you aren’t personally, yet, the one blowing up, yet you are still part of it. The hard part is that this usually involves taking the blame. Most people don’t like this. I know I don’t.

Taking the blame is a good way to effect the first, as well. Saying, “Your fault, your fault, your fault,” is just going to ruffle the other’s feathers, and make them even more defensive and angry. Taking the blame is hard, but is usually worth it.

But don’t be a doormat. Make yourself known, but do it in a soft voice and not an accusing one. Be honest with yourself. Was it your fault? If it was, say so, but if it honestly wasn’t, don’t lie. That just complicates things. However, you can offer to take the punishment for it.

Don’t respond to teasing, and don’t tease. Teasing is one of the best ways to start arguments.