5 Important Characteristics of Peacemakers that the World Needs Now
Do you know someone who is just naturally a peacemaker?
Jesus said…
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
The Dictionary defines peacemakers as “a person, group, or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight.”
Jesus’ half-brother James defined peacemakers as:
Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18
He said that working toward peace is a characteristic of wisdom:
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
James 3:17
Maybe we need to take a closer look at the specifics if we really want to be peacemakers…
5 Important Characteristics of Peacemakers
Peacemakers are Gentle
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Proverbs 15:1
It’s hard to argue with someone who insists on listening to understand so they can respond gently and calmly.
Peacemakers are Listeners
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2
Peacemakers don’t take sides. They listen to both sides with open minds and hearts. They keep their divisive opinions and judgments to themselves.
Peacemakers are Humble
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3–4
That’s hard, isn’t it? Culture teaches us to believe that “all begins with me.” It tells us to “look out for #1, to follow our own path, do what makes us happy, and to speak our own truth. But God’s Word tells us to think of others as “better than” ourselves.
Why? Because selfishness ruins relationships! However, seeing everyone as someone who is saved by grace . . . who is dearly loved and precious to God that unites and blesses.
Peacemakers are Kind, Caring, and Compassionate
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31–32
Just think about it . . . people who are kind, caring, compassionate, and forgiving are natural peacemakers. If we want to be united in Christ Jesus, we need to love as we have been loved by the Lord Himself.
Peacemakers Trust God and Pray
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5–6
Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Peacemakers know that God is God and they are not. He is present in peace and in chaos. He knows and understands the big picture. He wants us to trust Him as we do His will.
And pray…
A Prayer to Live the Characteristics of a Peacemaker
Father, I am so sorry. I can so quickly and easily focus on myself. I can be selfish certain that my opinions are right and my words and attitudes justified. But I’m guilty of failing to check my opinions against Your truth. I’m guilty of listening to the loudest most persuasive voices without comparing them to Your Word. Please forgive me.
I want to be a peacemaker. I want to make a difference in the corner of the world where You have placed me. I want to touch lives in ways that unite people through Your mercy and grace . . . I want to shine the light of Your love for Your glory. Please help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to be a good listener who is gentle, humble, kind, caring, and compassionate. Help me trust You completely and obey You willingly.
I love you, Lord. Please help me love others and work toward peace in ways that bring You glory. Amen.
Peacemakers have better relationships. They trust God’s principles and promises. They experience the God’s beautiful blessings . . . things like love, joy, and hope for the future.
God uses them to bless every life they touch.
Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean we have to agree or go along. It simply means we LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY the LORD.
Billy Graham said – “To be a peacemaker, you must know the peace giver.”
And Jesus called those who know, love, trust, and follow Him, “Children of God.”
May the One who made peace within and without possible fill you with all the characteristics of a peacemaker today, tomorrow, and wherever your journey leads you.
We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…
and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.
Never Miss an Update
Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…
Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…
The problem in today’s world is that way too many believers interpret peacemaking to compromise and agree with the opposition in order to avoid conflict. While Jesus was and is the Ultimate Peacemaker, Prince of Peace, He never shyed away from calling out the pharisees for their actions, and sin. And if we’re truly His followers then indeed their are times that we must stand for the Truth, even if it offends some or many. The hard part is to stay true to Jesus while peacefully but without compromise hold true to the Truth. Our Great Commission is to live and spread the Gospel. And more and more frequently in today’s world, it can’t be done without conflict. Our Faith is indeed in total opposition to everything that the World stands for. While we have to stay meak and humble, we also need courage to stand on the Word of the Lord without compromise. His Honor and Name is on the line.
One of my favorite passages is Peter’s answer to the priests – “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.” – Acts 4,19
Blessings Deb 🙂
I agree with you, Gaby. We can speak the truth respectfully and firmly. And we are to absolutely stand on the Word without compromise. I do think we can stand in God’s truth with strength and still be humble and kind. It feels like we’ve lost that. It’s either give in and go along or go ballistic. I love that God’s Word gives us a plan to speak the truth with gentleness and respect. God bless you!
Deb. What a simply beautiful post and reminder what God expects from me. I wish I could say I am always a peace maker but that would be untrue. I will strive to be better and I have copied your prayer to make it mine. I will read it often as I need it to remind me where to turn for my strength and ability to be a peacemaker. Thank you so much. Love your sister in Christ.
I’m with you, Marilyn. I would love to be more consistent in my effort to make peace. Thank you so much for being such a faithful encourager. I sure do appreciate you! Blessings!