“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

This translation of the Bible uses “sons” of God where some others use “children” of God, including women. I’m certain Jesus intended for female peacemakers to be blessed and to find themselves in God’s family as much as male peacemakers. How can I be so sure? For one thing, because the Bible says, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I mention this “minor” point even though the verse is clearly about peacemaking and not about gender roles because it’s actually not a minor point. I believe the Bible and all of God’s promises are for me. Even though I am a woman. Even though a minister in my past tried to tell me they weren’t, that I was excluded because I am female.

After reading the Bible several times, I concluded he was wrong. God’s love and all of His promises are for me. They are for everyone. That’s the whole point of the Bible, in fact. God’s love is for everyone! He created everyone and loves everyone and wants everyone to be part of His beautiful kingdom.

And this is how peace happens.

War happens when artificial divisions that God did not intend are formed. When one side claims they are somehow better than the other side. Pride and shame give birth to mistrust and suspicion which give birth to fear and anger which give birth to hatred and war.

Peacemakers break down the barriers between perceived categories. The Bible and God’s love is for me and you, no matter who you are. Man, woman, child, adult, white, black, Hispanic, Chinese, English-speaking, mute, deaf, blind, gay, straight, single, married, rich, poor, in prison, an ex-con, an addict, democrat, republican, fit, fat, citizen, undocumented immigrant, janitor, CEO, unemployed.

There is no category of person that is excluded from God’s love. But there are so many categories of people that other people hate. Yes, even some Christians hate! Which should NOT ever be the case.

In today’s verse, Jesus blesses me if I seek to abolish those categories, in my own mind and attitudes, but also in the minds and attitudes of all the people I interact with and have influence over. He doesn’t bless peace-wishers, He blesses peacemakers. I make peace possible if I seek out and actively welcome the people different from me, people I’m afraid of or don’t understand or disagree with. If I listen to them, build them up, seek their best, meet their needs, and encourage them with God’s word and His love, then I am a peacemaker, and I am a child of God.

Dear God,

Thank you for the huge variety of people you created. Forgive me for thinking I am ever somehow better or more important or worthy than any other person you created. Teach me how to make peace. Show me where I can start today.