God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
No one tells you when you become a parent of multiple children that 90% of the job is peacemaking.
“He poked me!” “She took my stuff!” “He splashed me.” “She did it first!” If you’re a parent, these phrases probably trigger a wave of exhaustion. The constant refereeing between siblings can leave you wondering, “Why can’t you just get along?”
Outside our homes people aren’t getting along either. We see the devastation caused by war, egos and greed and wonder why people can’t just get along. The world’s conflicts reflects a deeper issue in our hearts: the struggle for peace and reconciliation.
The Bible addresses this very struggle. In the Bible book of Matthew, Jesus says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Did you notice that Jesus said those who work for peace? Peace doesn’t just happen when we all mind our own business. Peace requires the hard work of reconciliation, forgiveness, and collaboration. Each of those represents long conversations, listening to people different from yourself, and being prepared to build bridges across troubled waters.
Today, remember that you have the power to be a peacemaker in your home by staying calm and showing your family patience. Your empathy for your children’s struggles and forgiveness for mistakes show them how God responds to us in conflict, too.
Peacemaking isn’t just about ending arguments; it’s about fostering compassion for others—being able to offer understanding and respect even when we are frustrated. Jesus wants to teach us to bring His peace into our homes, and then, beyond.
