Be A Peace Maker.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” Matt. 5:9.

When Nelson Mandela walked out of prison after 27 years, the world expected rage. He had every right to be bitter. He had been unjustly imprisoned, separated from his family, and vilified by a system that dehumanized him. The country of South Africa was on the brink of civil war. The hatred between black and white communities was boiling, and people were ready to take up arms. But Mandela did something almost no one expected. He forgave. He didn’t use his newfound power to retaliate. He used it to reconcile. He invited his former jailer to sit on the front row at his inauguration. He visited the widow of a man who had supported apartheid. And perhaps most famously, he wore the green jersey of South Africa’s national rugby team — long a symbol of white rule — to unite a divided country during the Rugby World Cup.

People thought he was mad. No doubt he was indeed M.A.D. He was out to Make A Difference. (M.A.D.)

Perhaps Nelson Mandela knew something Jesus taught long before: peacemaking isn’t weakness. It’s strength, under control. It’s turning enemies into neighbours, not through power, but through peace. He once said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” What if more of us lived like that? Not waiting for the other side to apologize. Not demanding vengeance. Just choosing reconciliation. Peacemakers change nations — not because they win arguments, but because they heal wounds. As a believer, being a peacemaker is a calling to reflect God’s character, actively reconcile broken relationships, and mirror Christ’s sacrifice. It promotes unity over conflict, demonstrates true discipleship, and brings God's blessing, marking believers as His sons who reflect His nature. God is the ultimate source of peace, and when believers pursue peace, they mirror His nature. Peacemakers act like their Father, validating their identity as His own.

Jesus came to make peace between humanity and God. You and I are called to continue this same work by resolving conflict, healing divisions, forgiving shortcomings and bringing people together rather than driving them apart. A peaceful demeanor in the face of conflict, rather than being a "peace-breaker" or "peace-faker." A peace breaker is a person or entity that initiates conflict, perpetuates strife, and disrupts harmony through actions like lying, cheating, violence, or harsh words. They often prioritize winning arguments or selfish interests over maintaining relationships. On the flip side, a peace faker is someone who creates a superficial, counterfeit peace by avoiding, denying, or fleeing from conflict rather than resolving it. Instead of addressing issues, a peace faker acts as if there is no problem, often sacrificing truth for temporary calm. We are called to partner with God, fostering spiritual growth, unity and serenity rather than the chaos of jealousy and selfish ambition. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” James. 3:18.

“Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Heb. 12:14.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. I come to You today seeking the peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that the world cannot give or take away. Thank You for the promise that You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Enable me to be a vessel of Your peace in my daily life. Let my actions be gentle, my words be comforting, and my presence be a source of stability to those who are hurting or afraid. Teach me to react to conflict with serenity and to bring harmony into my home, workplace, and community in the mighty name of Jesus, amen. 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Sam. 15:1-35.

1 Sam. 16:1-23.

1 Sam. 17:1-58.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Peace Is Not The Absence Of Troubles, It's The Presence Of Faith In God.”