“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NRSV).
When we think of peacemakers, we often consider illustrious names such as Ghandi or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.m but in the context of Christ’s teachings, everyone who is a follower of Jesus is called to be a peacemaker.
Considering the time when Jesus lived—a period in history when life was cheap and people frequently were slaughtered by the thousands—peacemaking was not an easy task. However, it’s made all the more difficult when we consider Jesus also was speaking to families.
In our work as youth leaders, we realize many of our teens do not have peace in their homes. Sometimes there is abuse, neglect, animosity—and if a marriage is breaking down, there also can be yelling, blaming, and various forms of intimidation and threat. Many of our teenagers long for a peaceful life—inside their own four walls.
As leaders, we can be peacemakers by supporting those teens whose lives are fraying at the edges, who need a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Some teens are desperate for help with school. Many may crave attention.
Our peacemaking tasks don’t have to stretch to the ends of the earth. In fact, we may feel very helpless in the task of international diplomacy and international conflicts, but we certainly can let peace begin at home. Let it be established first in our hearts.
