“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NLT

God blesses us for doing the work of living at peace with ourselves and others. Peace reflects the character of God.

A young woman named Skyler shared a video on the You Version Bible App on this verse. She likened the quality of peace as being one thing that shows us as being children of God. She went on to the practical comparison one often makes of a child in relationship to their parents. For example, “You must be Bob and Muriel’s son; I see their likeness in you.”

Her point is a good one. Living at peace identifies us with God. Being a peacemaker is God’s work. When it becomes our work, we become identified as God’s children. Working for peace is an unmistakable reflection of God’s character and will.

Living at peace is a real challenge because sin is disruptive in our world. Working for peace begins with being at peace within oneself. This peace from within can only be provided by God through the life-changing work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives us peace with God because of his sacrifice for our sins. The Holy Spirit offers the ability to be at peace within oneself, even when there are things that we have not yet resolved in our lives. Scripture describes God’s peace as being beyond our understanding yet generously available to us

Questions

• What would it look like for you to be at peace with yourself today because of what God has done for you?
• Are you open to being a person who is living at peace with the help of the Holy Spirit?
• Would you ask God to help you show up in your relationships today as one who is working for peace?

Ed McDowell, C.E.O.
Warm Beach Camp Ministries