Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers” - is one of the most famous phrases of our Lord, which He said at the beginning of His ministry. Since then, it has become a catchphrase. The phrase has been repeated billions of times in sermons by various denominations and even social leaders.

Usually, believers relate these words of the Lord to people in conflict with each other and to other problems. But this is only the outer side. It is also important to understand that these words do not refer only to external circumstances. When some negative actions take place in front of our eyes, that directly relate to us or our loved ones, peace is first of all violated in human hearts, and then the state of enmity comes out. We protest and resent circumstances with which we do not agree. Therefore, here the Lord pays attention to our inner state.

Further, the Lord develops this thought in conversations with His disciples, explaining in detail the meaning of what was said in the Sermon on the Mount. In practice, relationship problems, that come into this world, are originated in human hearts. It is where both good and evil are born. Therefore, it is there that we must look for the roots of solving many human problems, ranging from domestic quarrels to global events. “For from within, out of men’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” Mark 7-21-23 [NIV] Luke also writes: “For out of the overflow of his hear his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 [NIV] Therefore, theologians call the mouth "a betrayer of the heart."

The events in Ukraine have disturbed the peace in the hearts of people in many countries of the world. From the abundance of the heart, millions of mouths spoke. The war in Ukraine led to the division of human society in such a way that even in some churches, the communion was postponed, because peace was broken among the church.

Our disputes about who is right and who is wrong, hot condemnation or justification of these events, does not help either side in this war, but the inner world of Christians has been broken, pleasing the enemy of human souls.

Sooner or later, all wars on earth ended and the parties came to peace. So, it will be with the war in Ukraine.

Therefore, we Christians, first of all, should make every effort to be peacemakers in our own hearts. If, despite all circumstances, we keep peace in our souls, we will be able to comfort and bring peace to those around us.

Understand me correctly - this is not a call for conscious humility and acceptance of evil, but it is a form of struggle with evil. The enemy of human souls, wants the peace in our souls to be destroyed by external circumstances and the fire of indignation and protest blinds our hearts. This is exactly the ground on which it is so easy for the devil to arrange conflicts. There will be much more benefit from the joint prayers of Russian and Ukrainian Christians. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 [NIV].

Here it is important not to forget: we do not know for certain all the underlying circumstances of this war. Why did the Lord allow it? Through the prophet Jeremiah, God speaks to people: “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most Hight that both calamities and good things come?” Lamentations 3:37-38 [NIV]

The friends who came to Job were one hundred percent right in their own eyes. It never occurred to them that, in front of their eyes, an event of a completely different level was taking place. It was the level of the Universal scale. On the small human heart of Job, there was a battle between the two great forces of the universe. Job's friends did not know this, and Job himself did not know this. Job's victory was that he did not waver in the promises of the Lord and kept them until victory. “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” Job.27:6 [NIV]

By expressing our disagreement and stormy protests, we, to some extent, express disagreement and protest against the will of God. Scripture tells us that there is no power except from God. Whether we like it or not. No matter how much we like or dislike this or that politician, the mayor of the city or the president of the country. Always

remember: there is no power except from God. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2 [NIV]

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful.” Colossians. 3:14-15 [NIV]