(36) Blessed—and Persecuted—Are the Peacemakers

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? "If possible, so far as it depends" on us, we should "live peaceably with all" (Rom. 12:18). Christians must value unity and resist allowing differences of opinions to break spiritual fellowship. But peacemaking is complicated. Unity doesn't allow us to compromise our integrity. Peacemaking is not the same as people-pleasing. And peacemaking doesn't guarantee peace. It isn't results-driven. It doesn't always work the way we want.

Paul's experience in Jerusalem opens our eyes to the necessity and challenges of eagerly maintaining "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).