“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9)
In its literal meaning “Peacemakers” implies those lovers of God and humanity who utterly detest and abhor all strife and debate, all variance and contention: and accordingly labor with all their might, either to prevent the fire of hell from being kindled, or when it is kindled, from breaking out, or when it is broken out, from spreading any farther. They endeavor to calm the stormy spirits of humanity, to quiet their turbulent passions, to soften the minds of contending parties, and, if possible, reconcile them to each other.
They use all innocent arts, and employ all their strength, all the talents which God has given them, as well to preserve peace, where it is, and to restore it, where it does not. It is the joy of their heart to promote, to confirm, to increase mutual goodwill.
But in the full extent of the word, a peacemaker is one, who, as they have opportunity, "does good to all.” One who, being filled with the love of God and all humanity, cannot confine the expressions of it to their own family, or friends, or acquaintances, or party; or to those who share their own opinions; no, nor those who are partakers of like precious faith, but steps over all these narrow bounds, that they may do good to everyone; that they may, some way or other, manifest love to neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.
They do good to them all, as they have opportunity, that is, on every possible occasion; "redeeming the time;" in order to buy up every opportunity, improve every hour, losing no moment where they may be of help to another.
Such a person does good, not of one particular kind, but good in general: in every possible way, employing all their talents of every kind, all their powers and faculties of body and soul; all their fortune, interest, and reputation; desiring only, that when they go before God, they may hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!"
One does Good to the uttermost of their power, even among the bodies of all people. They rejoice to “deal bread to the hungry," (Isaiah 58:7) and to "cover the naked with a garment.”
Is any a stranger? He takes him in, and relieves him according to his necessities. Are any sick or in prison? He visits them, and administers such help as they stand most in need of. And all this he does, not as unto anyone; but remembering him that said, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me.”
How much more does this person rejoice, if they can do any good to the soul of another person!
It pleases Him who works all in all, to help people chiefly by other human beings; to convey His own power, and blessing, and love, through one person to another.
No one has need, on this account, to stand idle in their vineyard. The peacemakers cannot: they are even laboring in it, and, as an instrument in God's hand, preparing the ground for the Master's use, or sowing the seed of the kingdom, or watering what is already sown, if God may give the increase.
He is implored to exhort them to stir up the gifts of God which are in them.
(Adapted from a sermon, ‘Peacemakers of God,’ by John Wesley)
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