Peacemaker

“For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8 (NIV)

When my infant daughter got cranky, we would put her in a highchair and roll it over to our 60-gallon fish tank. Sitting two feet from the glass, Jade would immediately stop fussing and lose herself in the visual wonder of the aquarium. The gentle bubbling of the filter and graceful movements of Scarlett and Rhett, our parrot fish, soothed her fussiness and quieted her manner. Peaceful and content, she would sit there for long periods enjoying the view.

Scarlett and Rhett had no clue they were offering such a valuable gift to Jade, or to us for that matter. Oh, but the peace they brought to our family. What a treasured contribution that transformed Jade’s mood. She became a tranquil little girl with a gentle spirit, easy to raise. 

We often think that being a peacemaker means helping others work through disagreements. It’s more than that. Peacemaking includes “making peace” in the midst of noise or chaos. It means being a calming influence when tension or irritation seem to rule.

Jesus had that effect on others as he walked this Earth and he still does. In John 14:27 (NIV), Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

As a follower of Christ, I too want to be known as a peacemaker—someone whose influence rubs off on others, helping them find harmony.

If we can reflect the serenity of Christ unto others, think of what a light we could be in this world.