Pursuing Peace
"Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9) Peace is one of the greatest blessings that humanity seeks, yet it is often elusive in a world marked by conflict, division, and strife. Jesus, in the Beatitudes, proclaims, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). This statement emphasizes that those who actively pursue peace are blessed and reflect the very nature of God. The Christian call to be peacemakers is not a passive avoidance of conflict but an intentional effort to bring reconciliation, healing, and unity in relationships and communities. The Bible presents numerous examples of peacemakers. Abraham demonstrated this by allowing Lot to choose first in dividing the land, preventing conflict between their herdsmen (Genesis 13:8-9). Jesus Himself is the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling humanity to God through His sacrifice on the cross (Colossians 1:20). His mission was not merely to stop external conflict but to bring...