I’ve been thinking about the phrase, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ I find it hard to read those words without thinking of the divisions in our country and the world. Minnesota, in particular, has been on my mind and in my prayers over the past few days.
The phrase reminds me how easy it is to let scripture remain abstract when real people are suffering around us. The word peacemaker is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean passivity, silence, or letting people walk all over you. Peacemaking starts internally, attempting to make peace with ourselves, then moves to our loved ones, and beyond that to the wider world. It is about seeing something wrong and refusing to look away.
Peacemakers stand with the grieving, listen to the wounded, ask hard questions about harmful systems, and care about accountability.
Let's be honest—none of this is easy, and fear is always present. So, this week’s invitation is to keep choosing love, showing up for those in pain, praying for peace, and working for justice. May you have the courage to be a peacemaker in your life, home, work, and community.
Blessings
Dwayne