URC Daily Devotion Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Jesus does not say “blessed are the peace-lovers,” – those who long for peace and seek to avoid conflict – but “blessed are the peacemakers” – those who engage in the difficult, sometimes uncomfortable work of reconciliation.  
 
Peace-making is not passive; it is a courageous and active calling.
 
To be a peacemaker is to step willingly into the heart of discord, risking misunderstanding and rejection, with the hope of bringing healing and restoration.
 
In calling peacemakers “children of God,” Jesus identifies this work as divine in nature. It reflects God’s heart and mirrors the very character of God. The divine nature is not to leave brokenness untouched, but to reach into it and mend. When we work for peace – whether in our families, friendships, churches, communities or the wider world – we echo God’s reconciling love, making visible the reality of God’s kingdom.
 
Being a peacemaker is not about maintaining the status quo or avoiding confrontation at all costs. Rather, it requires discernment and courage: listening deeply to all sides, naming injustice where it exists, and refusing to be swayed by the easy options of blame or withdrawal. It is about seeking truth, extending forgiveness, offering patience and practising compassion, especially when it is most difficult to do so.
 
Often, striving for peace will invite misunderstanding or even resistance. Yet, Jesus assures us that those who pursue this path are not alone; they are participants in God’s own work and are honoured with the name “children of God.” This identity is not just an accolade, but a calling to continue embodying God’s peace in a restless world.
 
The beatitude of the peacemaker invites us to align our hearts, words, and actions with God’s relentless desire for reconciliation. It asks us to move toward those with whom we disagree, to build bridges rather than walls, and to sow seeds of hope where only discord seems to grow. In doing so, we participate in God’s ongoing story of healing, justice and mercy.
 
Prayer
 
God of peace,
grant us the courage to be makers of peace 
in a world that longs for healing.
Give us gentle hearts, wise words and steadfast spirits,
so that we may sow hope and reconciliation wherever we go.
Guide us to act with compassion,
and help us reflect Your love in all we do.
Amen.