We all use some model or theoretical approach as we work with our clients. It matters not what type of peacemaking work we are doing. We do so from the foundation of some conceptual construct. More, we aim for the results most frequently associated with that construct. Most of these constructs have a recent origin. Rarely do we think about the evolution of peacemaking.

This article comes to remind you that we can date the origin of peacemaking back to, at least, one precise moment in time. We can go back over two thousand years ago to what theologians call the Sermon on the Mount.

According to the Scripture, after traveling throughout Galilee Christ amassed a great following and healed many. As the numbers increased Christ seized the opportunity to teach principles for a righteous life. This teaching includes an endorsement for the vocation that we have chosen for our lives.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 5, verse, 9, we find, "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." What a very specific, grand, yet curious blessing. Theologians suggest we need to understand this blessing from its historical cultural context. The curious part is what did Christ mean when he said "they shall be called the children of God."

According to the linguists, this whole sermon was not meant to be aspirational or inspirational but rather practical. It was not calling one to adopt a certain belief but to engage in specific behaviors. This behavior being peacemaking. The reward for adopting this behavior would be one of joy.

It would not be a momentary joy for a deed done but rather an overwhelming joy that only comes from joining Christ in doing the work of God. More, it will be the true joy of knowing and experiencing the peace of God.

More simply spoken, as we perform our work as peacemakers we not only serve our brethren in the dispute but we also serve God. We serve God by bringing his peace into an often hostile and conflict filled world. This is why the Apostle Paul wrote, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval (Romans 14:18).

As we practice peacemaking we present a model of righteousness. It is a model that is capable of being learned, taught, and promoted. However, most importantly it is a model that can be emulated This is what we are called to do. We, the peacemakers, show the world that peace is possible no matter the gravity of the conflict. This very knowledge led James, the brother of Christ, to write, Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18 NIV).

This was the message of Christ when he blessed the peacemakers and declared the would be called the children of God. However, there was one more piece of this blessing that some find most important.

The work of peacemaking is the work of redemption. It is the redemption from evil and strife to the state of peace and grace. It is the redemption that was given to us and now as we do the work of God we can offer to others.

We, as peacemakers, understand the value of peace, we appreciate the extension of grace, and we treasure the work of redemption. For this reason, we are promised to become the children of God. This is a grand model for peace building and conflict resolution. As we do our work we sow the seeds for a future reward. What a glorious reward it shall be.

This article is not intended to proselytize or to convert anyone to a particular belief. Nor does this promise inherent to peacemaking require a certain belief. It is merely presented to suggest our work has a very long history. We do not assert our model over any other. We merely suggest the work we do is noble and spiritual. We are peacemakers and we are doing redemptive work. Hence we shall discover, "Blessed be the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."

All Scriptural verses, not otherwise identified, are from the King James Version