1572) Because I have a love for words and what they mean, when I read Matthew 5:9 recently, I got to thinking about the word peacemaker, literally someone who makes peace. My next thought was, this differs from peace lovers. This person will do anything to not rock the boat.

These two words and their meanings have simmered in my mind and I see that making peace means that two people (or groups of people) have come to a point of agreement, usually via compromises of some sort, and peace is the result.

Someone who is a peace lover does not bring compromise to the table; they do not negotiate sticky situations. Instead, they give in to whomever is making a situation difficult.

Yes, being a peace lover is easier in the moment, but that’s about the only time this is true. Giving in to avoid confrontation brings with it many problems and difficulties. There is no meeting of the minds and ownership in whatever is decided. The ownership is turned completely over to someone else, or so you may think. Giving up ownership in a situation is an act of ownership and does not cut off the responsibility you have. It’s similar to not making a decision is a decision.

Jesus tells us to be peacemakers; that we need to take ownership of our part of conflicts. If we are willing to take the ownership that is due us in any situation, we can avoid a lot more conflict.