Blessed Are the Peacemakers: How to Change the Future Through Reconciliation

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 aren’t a checklist of things to do to earn God’s blessing. Rather, Jesus is saying “you are blessed when…” This subtle distinction changes everything about how we understand these powerful teachings.

When Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” he’s telling us that those who have room in their lives for God are those who make peace. Those willing to receive from the Lord will be called God’s children because they are peacemakers.

What Does It Mean to Be a Peacemaker?

The key thought is simple but profound: Peacemakers have the power to change the future.

This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Abigail from 1 Samuel 25. Abigail demonstrates what it means to be a peacemaker, and through her actions, she literally changed the course of history for her household.

In the story, David had been protecting Nabal’s shepherds and flocks. When David sent messengers requesting some provisions in return for this protection, Nabal foolishly rejected the request. David, angered by this ingratitude, prepared to attack Nabal and his entire household.

How Abigail Changed the Future Through Peacemaking

When Abigail learned what was happening, she took immediate action. She:

1. Gathered generous provisions (bread, wine, sheep, grain, raisins, and fig cakes)
2. Went to meet David before he could attack
3. Humbled herself before David
4. Took responsibility for the offense, even though it wasn’t her fault
5. Appealed to David’s better nature and reminded him of his calling

Through her intentional efforts at peacemaking, Abigail prevented bloodshed and changed what would have been a tragic future. David himself acknowledged this when he said to her: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you today to meet me. May your good judgment be blessed also. May you be blessed for keeping me from slaughtering people today and from getting a victory by my own efforts.”

What Does Biblical Peacemaking Require?

The story of Abigail, along with Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:18 to “if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all,” reveals several important truths about peacemaking:

1. Peacemaking requires intentional effort to resolve conflicts and restore relationships.
2. It’s not passive but active.
3. Peacemaking involves actively working toward reconciliation to bring two sides together.
4. Peacemaking may involve addressing injustice, resolving disputes, and fostering understanding between individuals and groups.

Peacemakers vs. Peacekeepers: What’s the Difference?

It’s worth noting that Jesus blesses peacemakers, not peacekeepers. While peacekeeping has its place—keeping opposing sides separate or avoiding conflict—peacemaking goes further.

Peacemakers don’t steer away from conflict; they lead beyond it. They don’t keep sides separate; they bring them together. This distinction is crucial for understanding what Jesus is calling us to do.

How Other Translations Illuminate Peacemaking

The Message translation puts it this way: “You are blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are and your place in God’s family.”

The Amplified Version says: “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will express His character and be called the sons of God.”

Biblical Examples of Peacemaking

Beyond Abigail, we see peacemaking in other biblical stories:

• The father of the prodigal son tried to bring a spirit of cooperation rather than competition between his sons.
• Jacob and Esau’s reunion shows reconciliation after years of discord, with Esau embracing his brother despite past wrongs.

Life Application

Peacemakers have the power to change the future. This week, consider how God might be calling you to be a peacemaker in your relationships, community, or workplace.

Ask yourself:

1. Where is there conflict in my life that needs reconciliation rather than avoidance?
2. Am I willing to make the intentional effort required for true peacemaking?
3. How can I foster understanding between people who are at odds with each other?
4. In what situation might God be calling me to take the first step toward peace, even if I wasn’t the one who caused the conflict?

Like Abigail, we can change the trajectory of relationships and situations through intentional peacemaking. This isn’t about keeping the peace at all costs—it’s about actively creating peace where there is discord. When we do this, we’re not just solving problems; we’re expressing God’s character and living as His children.

Sermon video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YA24i4Dts4

[Blog post created by Sermon Shots from original sermon content preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson on August 17, 2025.]