I have never been much of a fighter and tend to avoid conflict at all costs.\u00a0 I\u2019m good at trying to reach compromises and figuring out a way forward that ruffles no one\u2019s feathers.\u00a0 No one gets offended and no one gets hurt.\u00a0 In this way, I can be deemed a good \u2018peacekeeper\u2019.\u00a0 As long as no one is yelling or upset, then peace is being kept.<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s not what Jesus calls us to in Matthew 5:9.\u00a0 He says, \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers<\/em> for they will be called children of God.\u201d\u00a0 Our role as Christians in this world is not to keep an air of calm and politeness on the surface of a relationship or situation, but to create real and lasting peace and reconciliation to a situation.\u00a0 Ironically, the cost of avoiding conflict is often higher than I am willing to pay.\u00a0 By pushing away conflict and not acknowledging it, I\u2019m not only deeply damaging my relationships, but denying God an opportunity to bring real restoration and healing into the relationship.\u00a0 This alone is what will bring true peace.\u00a0 Peacemaking involves reconciliation, forgiveness, humility and courage.\u00a0 It takes a person who knows their weaknesses but also knows the strength of their God.<\/p>\n This idea is not meant for interpersonal relationships alone, but for international conflicts as well.\u00a0 In whatever way we can reverse the injustices done against other people, we can be peacemakers.\u00a0 This is one way that Covenant World Relief contributes greatly to the areas that they work in.\u00a0 They are providing relief and development in areas of great need, and reversing the process of injustice that many people experience.\u00a0 By having the courage to face these issues and follow God\u2019s leading and compassion, they are making a truly peaceful impact in the world.\u00a0 Pray and ask God for areas in your life or sphere of influence where you can become a peacemaker.<\/p>\n –written by Lizzy Lwanga, CWR intern and NPU senior.<\/p>\n