Blessed are the Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9-10
⁹  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

 I’m not talking about just police officers and the military.  I am talking about all of us.  Christians, Jews, Muslims, black, white, brown, and so on. The “peacemakers” keep the peace that it be not broken, and recover it when it is broken. We all should bring peace, between people and God, and between those who are at odds with each other.  We share the Gospel of peace.

This is not a political commentary, but a humanitarian and spiritual plea for peace.  The killing has got to stop.  The racial divide must be brought back together in God’s own image.  God created us all to be equal in His eyes no matter what race we are.  The hatred that is so prevalent today must stop!

James, Jesus’ brother said:

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

James is saying we must listen to each other.  Listen and learn from each other.

 We as a nation must come together in racial, economic, political, religious harmony.  We cannot continue down this path of destruction.

 Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:21-24)

 Anger is a great sin because it violates God’s commandment to love.  Anger in this case refers to seething, brooding bitterness against someone or someone’s race.  It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.  Just look at Dallas! Dallas was not the problem. Dallas was not the answer.  Dallas was the symptom. The symptom of a nation gone wrong.  The symptom of a nation in turmoil. The symptom of a nation in darkness. A nation in need of a Savior.

 Have you ever been proud that you didn’t strike out and say what was really on your mind?  Or strike out physically hurting someone? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well.  Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

 Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God.  If we have a problem or grievance with someone we should resolve the problem as soon as possible.  We are hypocrites if we claim to love God while we hate others.  Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God.

 ^“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)

We as a nation must stop the “race baiting” and hurtful dialog that we see day in and day out.  This must stop now!  This must stop, beginning at the top.  Beginning at the Whitehouse and working on down to the man in the street.

I love this country.  I served in the military because of this love.  I was willing to give my life for this once great nation. We all need to find the love in our hearts for the United States of America and turn back to God so He will bestow His blessing on us once again. 

I know this is not a popular stance today, but I am not trying to win a popularity contest.  I am trying to speak the Truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the Truth is we must stop this racial hatred, this hatred that is tearing this country apart.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)

Are you struggling through this situation today? Are grasping for answers? How should you respond? Respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold you through any situation!

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

As a nation we are angry.  As a nation we must take away that anger and begin the healing process.  We must all come together in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

^“ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)