Wednesday | Matthew 5:9

The Peacemakers | Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” 

Yesterday, we looked at the reality of hearts separated from Christ. Today, we focus on the implications of a heart that is separated from God in relationship. If we are to examine implication, we must first look at our origin. The Bible teaches that our hearts are hardened and separated from God because of sin and as a result, peace isn’t possible if we’re at war with God. 

However, grace (unmerited favor from God to sinners) is initiated by God not in conversation, but in salvation. In salvation, God covers our sin in full through the work, death, and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. The American dream communicates that you have to go after and hustle for what you want because no one is going to give you anything. And in many circumstances, that is true. Where, however, that is not true is in the work of salvation where God in Christ died for sinners on their behalf and in their place, bearing the penalty of their sin. 

The cross of Jesus is an invitation to all to receive salvation and in salvation, a new heart. A new heart is not at war with God because God has implanted it Himself (Ezekiel 36:26). Anything apart from a new heart is simply behavior modification, not transformation. 

In these beatitudes, God speaks through His word directly to the individual and holds a mirror to the face of the Christian. Are you a peacemaker because your heart has been made new and you walk in grace and repentance or are you simply modifying your behavior with a heart of stone?