“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:17-19). Peacemakers are invaluable. They defuse, calm, quiet and soothe. They do not stir up conflict but work to minimize it, if not to negate it.
The wicked are not so. They are determined to rule or ruin, typically to no good purpose. They delight in war that they may rule over its ruins.
To be a peacemaker demands courage, for you may have to stand between the violent and the victim. It takes wisdom, for knowing when to listen and when to speak is all important here. One must be caring, even about those who do not care except about themselves.
Part of being the salt and the light that the Lord demands of us (Matthew 5:13-16) is certainly to help make peace in a war-torn world. It is proclaiming the truth to overthrow the lies. It is offering a better way than the way of hate. May the Lord bless us here with peace, a peace that we cherish so much that we must share it. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).
