Peacemaker or Peacekeeper?

Are you a Peacemaker or Peacekeeper? Before you answer perhaps read on and then see what your answer really is. 

The very first thing we must understand is that there is a huge difference between being a Peacemaker and a Peacekeeper. And Jesus is calling us to be the former, without forgetting the latter (see Matthew 5:9). In trying to come to a deeper understanding of this sensitive topic, the following thoughts and definitions came to the fore: 

“A peacemaker is someone who is willing to resolve conflict/turmoil in order to bring about peace with other people. Of course, this may involve engaging in conflict and tension, but always with the goal of healing and reconciliation."

·      I guess the key in being a peace maker is that you have to exert some effort. One needs to be willing to roll up your sleeves and work at it. There is nothing passive about being a Peacemaker. 

A peacekeeper, on the other hand, often chooses to avoid conflict, in order to keep the status quo (peace), although this is usually a very fragile peace in the first place. 

For example, there were many Roman soldiers in the time of Jesus, who were employed as 'peacekeepers', but the Roman idea of Pax Romana (The Peace of Roman) was actually very far from true peace.

Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Thoughts: So, which one are you? Peacemaker or Peacekeeper?

I have to be honest and say that I tend to lean towards being a Peacekeeper, rather than a Peacemaker.

Living in grace

D3LM3

Becoming an instrument of peace

What does it mean to seek Peace? What did Jesus really mean when he said: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Over the next few posts, we will explore a little more around this topic, but perhaps the best place to start is to reflect on these familiar words first:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Saint Francis of Assisi)

Living in Grace

D3LM3