Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:9, Isaiah 32:17-18, 1 Samuel 24:1-22, Ephesians 2:14-20, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Romans 14:16-19
A few decades ago, when I was in the fifth grade, I landed my first (unpaid) job as an official conflict mediator at my school. The mediators were a group of older kids tasked with helping classmates work through small disagreements and conflicts. (You stole my pencil! He was mean to me, etc.) And y’all—I took that role more seriously than I’ve probably taken any job since.
I walked the halls of our school, on the lookout for the next disagreement where I might help bring understanding and peace. I only remember about three situations where we actually got to mediate, but they were exhilarating. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy helping other kids discover common ground.
When you’re a child, the concept of peace feels so much easier to grasp. It seems more attainable. Peace was simpler to find—and easier to keep. But somewhere along the way, many of us have grown quieter, slower, and less intentional about the pursuit of peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
—Matthew 5:9
When we see neighbors struggling, when tension rises within our families, when disagreements fracture the body of Christ…do we step in boldly and compassionately?
I love the story in 1 Samuel 24 because it offers us one of the clearest pictures of the peacemaking God calls us to. After living on the run for so long, David was given the perfect opportunity to end his conflict with King Saul. One strike could have secured David’s throne. Yet he refused. He sensed the Spirit’s restraint, remembered who Saul was in God’s eyes, and chose peace over pride (1Samuel 24:6–7). David, a man after God’s own heart, didn’t gain the kingdom through force. He gained it through surrender, humility, and obedience to God’s way of peace.
That same calling rests on us. Something deep in our hearts longs for peace—in our homes, our relationships, and our communities—yet so few of us actively pursue it. It often feels more comfortable to cling to our preconceptions, our opinions, and our preferences than to seek peace and extend the love of Jesus to those we disagree with. But Scripture tells us that Jesus Himself has already “put the hostility to death” through the cross (Ephesians 2:16). If our Savior destroyed division, why do we continue to cling to it?
Why do we search for peace in careers, accomplishments, or even on our cell phones—only to come up empty?
If we want the life Christ died to give us, God’s Word is clear: “Seek peace and pursue it” (1Peter 3:11). Peace isn’t passive. It’s a path we walk and a posture we choose with Jesus every single day.
Lord, help us to truly pursue Your peace today—boldly, humbly, and with open hands. Make us peacemakers who look like You everywhere we go. Amen.
Written by Abby Flynn
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71 thoughts on "Blessed Are the Peacemakers"
Shalom. sisters.
A while back I did a Jen Wilkin study on the Beatitudes and she shared that peacemakers were people who shared the Gospel. They shared the Gospel with others so that they might be reconciled to God.
Peacemakers shared the Gospel of reconciliation to people to reconnect them God. Without God you can never know real peace.
There are many ways to define a peacemaker. I thought this was cool.
I will pray for you. Once a guy on a scooter was on my tail. I pulled too far out and got a red light. I had to back up and I hit the scooter. I gladly paid the damages for the scooter.
Father God in the name of Jesus calm Traci’s anxiety. This was scary. Lord ,please let the guy be okay and don’t let this be a lawsuit.
I’m totally drained. I would like to feel peace today. The story about David is such a big lesson to how we should also try to be peacemakers. To set pride aside. Honestly I’m having a hard time thinking. All in all this was a good lesson today.
I just hit a guy on a scooter. It was in a round about. I was going right and he was coming through. I never saw him. The witnesses said he was flying through. I didn’t actually hit him, but he fell and his scooter went under my car. He has back pain from the fall. I’m worried sick. Please pray that his injuries are minor. And that God would offer comfort. I hate to say but I’m worried he will try to sue us.
Oh Traci – how scary! I am praying for God’s peace for you and thanking him there were no major injuries!
I will pray for you. Once a guy on a scooter was on my tail. I pulled too far out and got a red light. I had to back up and I hit the scooter. I gladly paid the damages for the scooter.
Father God in the name of Jesus calm Traci’s anxiety. This was scary. Lord ,please let the guy be okay and don’t let this be a lawsuit.
Oh How scary. and weird, that I thought about that same thing today when driving as a small motorcycle was behind me, that it is so hard to see them. I usually pray for ones zipping by me. Prayers for this situation.
Praying, Traci
Traci, what a scary thing that was to have happen. I’m thankful it wasn’t much worse. I am praying that the guy’s injury does not turn out to be serious. that he doesn’t attempt to sue you. And I pray for God to give you peace and rest.
Traci, I know im late to the table, buy praying for the scooter guy and for you.
The scooter guy that his injuries are superficial and that he is okay and that he will realise his mistake and there will be no more to it..
And you dear sister, your heart and the worry this has set there.. praying Gods peace be with you as you wait to hear..
praying..
I’m doing a Bible of the Beatitudes through Youversion. This is what 24-7 Prayer shares about this verse:
“When I read or hear the word ‘peace’, I tend to think about the absence of war and conflict or the absence of busyness and noise. However, the Hebrew word for peace is ‘shalom’, and it means a whole lot more than this.
Shalom is about wellbeing and health, wholeness, and completeness. Shalom means restoring life to all it is meant to be. William Barclay writes that shalom means “everything that makes for humankind’s greatest good.”*
Hebrew speakers sometimes greet their friends with the phrase, ‘Mah Shalomcha?’ (male) or ‘Mah Shalomech?’ (female), which literally means ‘How is your shalom?’ How is your peace? How is your completeness?”
I love this! How is your completeness today?
I love this, thanks for sharing! This is like…game changer!
Thank you for sharing this. When I worked in hospitals, I always wished my Jewish patients Shalom on their Sabbath, “Shabat Shalom.” It’s great to be reminded that Shalom means so much more than peace. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to begin greeting everyone with Shalom?
This is so good, thank you Tricia..
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Mah Shalomech?❤️
This popped up after reading this morning.
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Peacekeeper: avoids conflict. Keeps the surface calm. Stays silent to keep others happy. Calls dysfunction “grace”.
Peacemaker: Steps into truth. Confronts what harms. Builds what is healthy. Brings God’s kind of peace- the kind that heals, not hides.
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David could have kept on running but he confronted Saul. He had the hard conversation.
Peacemakers step into truth to bring healing.
Peacemakers pursue restoration.
Thank you for this, Kristy. I needed to read it for a family situation.
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So good❤️
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ENDURING WORD STUDY BIBLE
This describes not those who live in peace but those who bring about peace, overcoming evil with good. One way we accomplish this is through spreading the gospel because God has entrusted to us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). In evangelism we make peace between people and the God whom they have rejected and offended. The reward of peacemakers is that they are recognized as true children of God. They share His passion for peace and reconciliation, the breaking down of walls between people.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE
The theme of peace permeates the biblical record. Biblical peace is more than the absence of strife and conflict. It is a condition of human flourishing that indicates completeness and wholeness in every area of life, including one’s relationship with God, neighbors, and others. The true peacemakers are those who wait and work for God.
JOHN MACARTHUR NKJV STUDY BIBLE (Expansion of note on 5:9)
From Matthew 5:44-45 note:
love your enemies . . . that you may be sons of your Father. This plainly teaches that God’s love extends even to His enemies. This universal love of God is manifest in blessings which God bestows on all indiscriminately. Theologians refer to this as common grace. This must be distinguished from the everlasting love God has for the elect (Jer. 31:3), but it is a sincere goodwill nonetheless (cf. Ps. 145:9).
WIERSBE NKJV STUDY BIBLE on 1 Peter 3:10-12
We must always be reminded of our calling as Christians, for this will help us love our enemies and do them good when they treat us badly. We are called to inherit a blessing. The persecutions we experience on earth today only add to our blessed inheritance of glory in heaven someday (Matt. 5:10–12). But God also blesses us today when we treat our enemies with love and mercy. By sharing a blessing with them, we receive a blessing ourselves!
All of the above is COPIED AND PASTED – not my words. ☺
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ABBY FLYNN and BOB BUNN both gave us excellent devos this morning! THANK YOU!
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Love, hugs, and prayers!!! ❤
(clapping hands) emoji.
Whether copied or pasted its still enhancing our walk and devotional.. hugs.Cee Gee❤️
Amen, Abby Flynn… “ God’s Word is clear: “Seek peace and pursue it” (1Peter 3:11).”
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Do I do this as I should?
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Ummm, no. I think I do, but I really don’t. Making peace is not being silent or not joining an “argument” to “keep the peace”. It is stating what is right. I need to be more bold in that way.
“Make us (me) peacemakers who look like YOU everywhere we go AMEN.
I just read 1 Sam 24 yesterday about Saul and David with the Bible Recap and was thinking of how David was just so committed to honor, respect, and peace despite how he was treated. His example and restraint is remarkable even though he was targeted, wrongly viewed, could have been justified to defend or fight back and he had perfect opportunity as well. And yet, he chose peace, the high road, the better way, trusting that God was Sovereign and in control.
We are called to be peacemakers, to choose the better way, to rest in Jesus who is our peace. Its ours to pursue, to seek peace,to be an example of peace, harmony and unity and to actively pursue true peace and reflect both the peace the Lord has for us and how He desires for us to lead others in the same way. Heavenly Father let pursuing and living out peace be my desire and my posture each day. Thank you that you are our peace. Amen
I read it for that too!
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Peacemaking— I’m not sure if I’m a peacemaker, but I’m the one always looking for a practical way of looking at conflicts, especially in the family. And I try to have peace in my home, but goodness— sometimes relatives love drama and a constant state of chaos. Probably why I distance myself from so many. Anyone else experiences this? You want peace but those in your life keep bringing their icky situations to you?
Yes! Stay connected but just pray with them over the conflict. It helps.
Caroline, Praying for your health and that of your babe as she/he grows inside you! Such exciting news! And AWalton, so glad to hear they have finally started on your home! Prayers for continued progress!
Dear sisters, your prayers yesterday and today truly helped me pursue peace as I learn to entrust Brett to our Father knowing it is He and He alone that can heal my son and bring true peace to both of us. Thank you sisters for walking beside me on this path toward peace. ❤️
So glad to hear! Continuing prayers!
That is so good to hear, prayers work! So important we ask for prayers, that was good that you weren’t too proud to share. We often think our children’s problems reflect on us, but that’s not really accurate.
Lord, may I be a peacemaker in all the roles you have me in.
Peace. The world seeks it, but only some find it, that’s because true peace, wonderful peace comes only from the Father above.
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“Seek peace and pursue it” (1Peter 3:11). Peace isn’t passive. It’s a path we walk and a posture we choose with Jesus every single day.”
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Peace isn’t passive. I’ve not considered that before – that it is something that I have to actively pursue.
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1 Samuel 24:1-22 is a beautiful example of peace being pursued. What boldness, courage and humility David had to face his enemy and let him go when he could have stopped Saul’s nonsense once and for all…But that’s not God’s way, and His way is always better.
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@Caroline – prayers for a safe, healthy pregnancy and for a healthy baby.
@Marina S – How did the interview go? Continued prayers your hubby gets a job soon.
@Rebecca W. – praying for your son Brett, and for your mama’s heart.❤️
@ Kim H – praying for your mom’s healing – praise God it was a mild stroke and not more severe! Praying for your job & childcare situation.
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Happy Wednesday She’s – shalom, shalom! ❤️
shalom to you
Praying over these requests! Peace is not passive! We have to choose peace just like we choose love!
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This is good. Peace is my word for this year. I didn’t really even think about it until reading your comment. Because mainly I picked it to remember in my marriage! To do better at not just not arguing back, but what you put above, to actively say and do things that promote it! Like words of affirmation (that, lets face it, all men NEED! lol), but showing affection, and appreciation! It makes all the difference!
Amen
Blessed are the peacemakers.
I’m blessed when I pursue peace, when I walk in peace. When I think peace.
I have a tendency to work at peacemaking, another aspect of my questioning that I mentioned the other day, how important are the things causing conflict and do they really matter. Surely I’m not the only one longing for peace – in my home, my immediate and extended family, my town, my state, my country, the world. The tension between some of the people in my family circle is painful. Talking with them gets me nowhere and I continue to pray the Lord will move in the hearts of these family members, all Christians.
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CAROLINE ❤️ congrats! Praying for good health for you and baby!
MARINA S hopeful the interview went well, praying for the Lord’s guidance in finding the right job.
TRICIA C “sometimes I don’t want …” yes, and aren’t those just the hardest times.
REBECCA W praying for your hurting heart, sister, and for Brett. That he will turn to the Lord, overcome the alcoholism and find the right job that is a good fit for him.
KIM H – praying for your mom’s healing and for day care solutions for your son! Stuck on her having a stroke and not saying anything for a couple of day … sounds like something my mom would do, downplaying the seriousness. Praying for you as you figure out things.
KIMBERLY ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
SANDI MCAVINEY ❤️
A WALTON praying the building goes smoothly!
Praying over these requests.
Searching, I like you long for peace in my family. A son who won’t talk to me, a sister who wit have anything to do with our mom. Always something. But God… just need to keep giving it all to Him.
I am so sorry your son won’t talk to you. That must be hard. Prayers for that friend. The sister thing is hard too. Especially if you are in the middle.R
Heavenly Father,
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Thank You for calling me to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9).
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Jesus, You are my peace (Ephesians 2:14), so shape my heart today.
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Help me to seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11), and to choose what builds others up (Romans 14:19).
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Guard my words and actions at work, with family, and in my community.When I’m tempted to react, give me the restraint and trust You showed through David (1 Samuel 24:12).
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Let my life reflect the peace that comes from walking in Your ways (Isaiah 32:17).
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Use me to bring unity and grace wherever I go.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Amen ❤️
Amen! My prayer as well!
Amen❤️
Is anyone else reading The Bible Recap plan? Yesterday was the reading on David and Saul. Today’s TBR included Psalm 7 reminded me of the Beatitudes
Yes!
I’m reading it but I’m waaay behind!
Yes. Made me smile when I re-read it today:)
Im reading it!
I haven’t done today’s reading yet, Sarah, but I had a little feeling of Deja vu, when reading that passage from 1 Samuel two days in a row.
Thank you, Lord for this reminder today ❤️
Amen❤️
“If our Savior destroyed division, why do we continue to cling to it?”
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In a word, pride.
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I hold on to my “rights” with clenched fists instead of humbly opening my hands in humility in order to be a peacemaker, trusting God will bring the “justice” I seek.
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KIMBERLY Z – praying for your friend. A pregnancy resource center (like CareNet) can offer great help with an unplanned pregnancy. Also finding a local Embrace Grace support group would be a huge help in navigating the pregnancy.
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KIM H – praying for wisdom and healing for your mom.
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MARINA S. – agreeing with you in prayer for a new job for your husband to come quickly
Ooh yes Kelly, holding to my rights, that sounds like a familiar phrase in my mind.
Kelly, just walked through this on Monday! When finally surrendered it to God, guess what? He worked it out!
Praying over all the requests!
So convicted by your statement: “I hold on to my “rights” with clenched fists instead of humbly opening my hands in humility in order to be a peacemaker, trusting God will bring the “justice” I seek.”
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Lord, help us open our hands in humility and trust!
Yes, me too. That’s so good Kelly!
Needed this reminder today that “Peace isn’t passive, it’s a path we walk, and a posture we choose with Jesus every day”
Good morning!
I just wanted to let you know, they have begun to pour our retaining walls for our house. House foundation is coming later… it has already been delayed (they don’t have enough employees for all the work and weather has been terrible, holding up a lot).
Anyway, happy work is being done, even though it is slow.
I feel I seek peace all of the time for my children. They fight a lot. I pray and think of different ways for them to reconcile. I try to model being gentle and patient. It is difficult. Thanks for prayers. There are 5 of them (children).
So happy to see your update! Continuing to pray for progress on the house. Praying you can model peacemaking for your children.
Not sure how old your kids are. When arguments perused with my kids I used to make them sit down right there, hold hands (key) and not talk. It gave them a minute to calm down. If they let go or spoke they’d have to sit longer like that. Then I’d walk away (after a few times doing this) and tell them they could talk (no shouting and still holding hands) about what happened or just sit there. Almost always they would end up in laughter and playing again.
I made mine give each other a hug! Worked every time even though at first they thought for sure they would die!!
Thanks for the update on your house, I was just praying for you the other day & wondered if it had begun.
Prayers for you as you “referee” your children as they grow more and more into their own person.
Praying over your home being built and the kids in your home! And peace for you! Raising humans can be a challenge!