Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Peacemakers often fail because they don’t understand what peace really is. Many historians believe that enduring peace is a will-o’-the-wisp; that peace is a period in which more formidable wars are incubated. This mistaken sense has deceived humanity into believing that recurring wars are inevitable. But this isn’t so.

Paul clearly indicated the basis of everlasting peace, when he told the people of Athens that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” Present-day peacemakers shouldn’t overlook this spiritual fact, but seek to understand it. When it is governed by divine Love, the human heart maintains its integrity, undisturbed by the upsetting emotions of conflicting ideologies. The attempt of evil to keep men divided is doomed to failure.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Peacemaking is an art that is developed by recognizing, and courageously using, basic spiritual facts.

“On earth peace, good will toward men,” is more than a wish. It is more than a promise. Through spiritually-minded peacemakers, divine Mind unfolds the conditions conducive to peace among men. Peace is the atmosphere of Soul, which animates all the sons and daughters of God with good will toward each other. Peace invigorates every part of spiritual existence. Peace is dynamic; never static. It is an essential element of creative Mind, that unfolds the divine purpose of creation. Peace is the inevitable result of spiritual mindedness.

Jesus beheld the lilies of the field and found promise of the Father’s loving care. The lilies didn’t have to strive; they only had to be what they really were, God’s expressions of beauty, and they were provided with everything they needed.

True peace is a quality of divinity which holds men in perfect harmony, immune to suggestions of evil. It provides limitless opportunities of selfless service and collective security.

Mrs. Eddy says, “Pray for the prosperity of our country, and for her victory under arms; that justice, mercy, and peace continue to characterize her government, and that they shall rule all nations. Pray that the divine presence may still guide and bless our chief magistrate, those associated with his executive trust, and our national judiciary; give to our congress wisdom, and uphold our nation with the right arm of His righteousness.” (Prose Works) Our daily consecrated prayer will speed the day when divine justice will prevail, and our enemies will be friends, workers with us in establishing the divine order “in earth, as it is in heaven.”