Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

The Christian working for peace

The reward = Called the children of God

The Christian has many qualities and traits that are imitated from the perfect example set by our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The seventh beatitude exalts the pressing need for Christians to be workers of peace. Being a peacemaker implies resolute action from the heart, that produces good works of peace in our relationships and connections throughout everyday life. As we walk through the challenges and moments of conflict that arise in all of our lives, we can rest assured in the blessed hope that if we strive and work for peace, We shall be called the Children of God.

Maintaining Peace (Romans 12:18)

upholding unity in the Church (1 Cor 1:10, Ephesians 4:3)
agents of peace in every setting (Psalm 133:1)
family
friends/associates
work/education environment
make every effort to do what leads to peace – Romans 14:9

Recovering/Restoring Peace (Galatians 6:1-2)

broken relationships
arguments
diffusing hostile situations
acting as a mediator
total restoration in our relationships may not occur even after exhaustive efforts to end the conflict. We can personally be at peace with the situation if we do all we can on our part to make things right with the other person(s). Total restoration of the relationship may not work simultaneously as the other person may not want to cooperate or seek a peaceful end to the situation.
U-turn from evil to seek and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14) (1 Peter 3:11)

Some traits of a peace-breaker

deception (Proverbs 12:20)
plotting evil works
getting even (1 Peter 3:9), (1 Thess 5:15)
a hot tempered individual can often stir up conflict without knowing it (Proverbs 15:18)
lack of patience
lack of self control (Proverbs 16:32)
argumentative (Proverbs 20:3)
anger (Proverbs 29:22)
easily provoked (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
resentful and unforgiving
malice (Col 3:7-9)
filthy language (Col 3:7-9)
pride (Proverbs 13:10)

Peace in the midst of storms (Mark 4:39, Rom 8:28)

personal struggles, trials and tests
internal battles with sin
responding to storms in our personal life
God’s presence a place of refuge and safety (Psalm 91:1-5)
The Lord is our strength and defence (Exodus 15:2)

The guard of peace (Phil 4:6-7), (Isaiah 26:3)

anxiousness can disturb inner peace but we are encouraged to substitute anxiousness for Prayer
peace of mind and heart
the Lord’s peace transcends human understanding
confidence in the God of peace

The ultimate Peacemaker (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus Christ the mediator between God and Man (1 Timothy 2:5)
– Jesus the only way to the Father (John 14:6)
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross allows humans the freedom to be at peace with the father
the weight of sin separated us from God which caused the absence of peace between God and man
Jesus the prince of peace (Isiah 9:6)
eternal peace in Heaven awaits (John 14:2-4)