We know it’s one of the Beatitudes – we’ve heard and read it many times.
Until recently, I didn’t understand what it truly meant, or how difficult actual peacemaking would be.
I always thought peacemaking meant stopping war and violence. Until someone pointed out that brothels can exist and little children can be abused in “peaceful” countries.
Yesterday’s quote: Peacemaking is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice, the of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer, the careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice.
Yeah – turns out peacemaking is tough, and long-term. And often dangerous, because those committing injustice don’t like being interrupted.
Thinking about our 22 kids, the “easy” part is rescue. Many organizations have strategies for getting kids away from traffickers. But… I wonder, “Do those strategies interrupt injustice – without mirroring injustice?”
Some would say this is a case where the ends justify the means, where we ought to do whatever is necessary to rescue kids. But… is that what Jesus advocates?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Disarming evil without destroying the evildoer. The careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice.
Love your enemy.
I don’t claim to know how to do that.
One of many reasons we partner with Project Rescue is their attempt to be peacemakers in a chaotic and violent environment. I consistently admire and learn from their long-term, patient approach to Jesus-centered rescue, reconciliation, and prevention.
Perhaps you and I aren’t called to be large-scale peacemakers. What if we’re simply supposed to make peace in our families, neighborhoods, and communities? How much would the world change if we all did that?
It would be tough, and maybe dangerous.
And we would be called children of God.