"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God."

Do you have any resemblance to your Father in Heaven? We do, if we go around making peace with others, and even between others!

To be called the son or daughter of someone, means the one so naming you thinks you are just like that parent figure. Somehow that person sees a strong resemblance. So being a peacemaker is not something we do on a rare occasion, but on a fairly consisten basis.

So? Do you mind being thought of as a child of God?

It is in the context of being peacemakers that Jesus says we will be called sons, or daughters, of God. This implies that God is a peacemaker, and we are just like Him when we try to settle quarrels and arguments. Are you trying to live peaceably with others, and to settle differences before they blow up into huge problems or wars?

You are probably not in politics or involved in international intrigue. We're also talking of our family and personal lives. This doesn't mean we are never at cross-purposes with anyone; the question is, do you desire and look for ways to settle the matter? It's amazing how often we do find a way to peace once we earnestly desire it.

I can think of several instances though, when I sought to bring peace to a situation, and it was only possible by some sort of sacrifice of my own time or intentions. Especially at the beginning, it has not come easily to set aside my own hurts and focus on comforting and solving the problems of someone who has just wounded me. Being a peacemaker has its costs.

Ah, but we will be known as the son or daughter of God! Jesus said so. Others will see a resemblance to our Father God, and say so too. This should motivate us to really put great effort into speaking for, negotiating, and striving towards peace in any and all situations.