Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
Children in this verse is the Greek word huios, meaning a son. It stresses the quality of someone who so resembles someone else that is it difficult to discern between the two. It speaks of those who manifest a certain character. It is someone who is born-again and who has matured to display the good character of God. As we obey God, we grow from babes to mature sons of God. Matthew 5:44 tells us what mature sons do.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
Mature sons of God love their enemies. They bless those who curse them. They do good to those who misuse and persecute them. A mature son is a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker. Sons of God take on the character and actions of their Father God. God is love, and we are to love. God is light and we are to act as children of light. God is life and we are to carry the life of God to others.
When we hate our enemies, curse those who curse us, or do evil to those who hate us, we are acting as troublemakers, not peacemakers. When we fail to pray for those who use and abuse us, those who persecute us, we are manifesting the characteristics of the devil and not of God. The devil is the biggest troublemaker, and if we act as troublemakers, we are acting like him- and we show forth our immaturity as believers. This never profits us in a right way, but actually brings more trouble upon us.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14 (KJV)
We are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Light overcomes darkness. Love overcomes hatred. Life overcomes death. As we mature, we grow into our sonship. We act like sons of God, mature ones. As such, we will seek to be peacemakers instead of troublemakers. People will see our good works and glorify our heavenly Father.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
