Introduction
Peace in the world must begin with peace in the heart, and peace in the heart begins with peace with God. Isaiah wrote, “There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked” (Isa. 57:21). To have peace with God, we surrender our will to His (see 2 Chronicles 30:8). Instead of trusting in ourselves, we must trust in Jesus and do His will. Paul said, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Then and only then will the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard our hearts and minds (see Phil. 4:7).
Next, in order to be peacemakers, we must be concerned about more than personal peace with God; we must also strive to help others to be reconciled to God (see 2 Cor. 5:18-20). I have no objection to most efforts to bring about peace, but any such effort which does not change hearts will not produce lasting results. It is like putting a tiny bandage on a huge, gaping wound. It is possible to have a cessation of hostilities without having peace. A husband and wife may halt their verbal attacks, but there is no real peace in their home if an antagonistic atmosphere remains. To have outward peace, there must first be inward peace.
To have lasting peace within and without, people must surrender their hearts and lives to God. As individuals draw closer to the Lord, they will also draw closer to one another. In the ancient world, there was an immense gulf between Jews and Gentiles that could be bridged only through Jesus. Consider this passage from Ephesians 2:
But now in Christ Jesus you (Gentiles) who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who made both groups (Jews and Gentiles) into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (the law of Moses), by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances [the law of Moses], so that in Himself He might make the two [Jews and gentiles] into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both [Jews and Gentiles] in one body [the church, Eph.1:22-23] to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away [Gentiles], and peace to those who were near [Jews] (vv. 13-17).
Conclusion
Even as Jesus bridged the gulf between Jews and Gentiles, so He can bridge the gulf between warring factions today—if they will come to Him and surrender to His will. Helping others to come to the lord is important to a peacemaker.