We grow up learning that we’re supposed to treat one another with respect. We know the “golden rule” of treating others how we want to be treated. The Bible takes the golden rule to a higher level — John 13:34 (ESV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Loving each other can be difficult, especially when there’s conflict. Thankfully, the Bible is clear that as Christians, we should be peacemakers. 

Romans 12:18 (ESV) says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

What are peacemakers? And were there any peacemakers in the Bible? How can we become peacemakers? Here are some answers.

What are peacemakers?

Peacemakers are exactly what they sound like — those who make peace. However, there are many misconceptions about peacemakers.

• Peacemakers aren’t pushovers. 

For conflicts to resolve, peacemakers must be willing to commit to and stand up for what they believe in. 

• Peacemakers don’t always step into conflict between two people. 

People often think of peacemakers either in the context of a war between multiple countries or a conflict between two people. However, sometimes the conflict that peacemakers must resolve is between the peacemaker themselves and another person.

Who are some examples of peacemakers in the Bible?

• Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate example of a peacemaker in the Bible. Not only was He a breathing example of peace through Christ, but He ultimately brought all of humanity back into peace with God. 

In fact, Jesus was the one who commanded all of us to be peacekeepers during his Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:9 (ESV) says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” 

• Abigail

In 1 Samuel, Abigail is a great example of a peacemaker in the Bible. Her husband Nabal had been engaged in heavy conflict with a man named David. When Abigail heard, she chose to respond by setting out a feast for David and his army of soldiers. 

Because of Abigail’s kindness, David ultimately chose to spare the lives of many he was planning to harm. In fact, David thanked Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:34 (ESV) by saying, “For as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male.”

• Joseph

Joseph was one of the 12 sons of Jacob. Jacob favored Joseph more than his brothers and even gifted him a colored cloak. Joseph’s brothers were incredibly jealous of the cloak, and they sold him into Egyptian slavery.

Joseph gained a reputation in Egypt and eventually became chief administrator. When Joseph’s brothers ended up having to travel to Egypt during a famine, Joseph initially hid his identity. After his brothers returned a few times for grain, Joseph revealed his identity to them.

Instead of being resentful of his brothers for selling him into slavery, Joseph chose to respond with forgiveness. 

In fact, Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 45:5 (ESV), “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

How can we become peacemakers?

We live in a world that’s consumed with conflict. From arguments between friends to all-out wars, none of us are strangers to it. So, how can we take on the role of peacemakers in a world so broken? 

The truth is, we can all learn to be peacemakers. Here are a few ways:

• Commit to the truth. 

Peace and truth go hand in hand. Without truth, peace doesn’t fully exist. Proverbs 12:17 (ESV) says, “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.”

• Commit to justice. 

Ultimately, a peacemaker should do their job with justice, fairness and love toward everyone involved. Leviticus 19:15 (ESV) says, “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.”

• Commit to following the Lord.

Conflict can easily start to feel very personal very quickly. It’s important to lean on the Bible to be an effective peacemaker. 

Deuteronomy 13:4 (ESV) says, “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.”

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website. 

Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.