Peacekeepers and Peacemakers
PEACE matters. But does it matter if we make it or if we keep it? Of course both are important. Whenever there is conflict the goal is to reach accord, repair and restitution. How we respond in crisis or in conflict is a pretty big deal. While we can keep peace, the better choice is to actually make it! We can be peacekeepers or peacemakers or something altogether ugly. Jesus says, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:8).
Peacekeepers want peace – they want to maintain it but they tend to back down from the situation. They tend to minimize the situation in an effort to calm the waters. They usually hunker down until it all blows over. In order to keep “feather ruffling” to a minimum peacekeepers are careful in dealing with anyone or anything they do not understand; they are content with surface control and passive responses. Peacekeepers do not want to be the cause of discomfort and see all pain, especially if they are responsible for it, as harmful rather than beneficial. This means they tend to repress emotions and keep all their issues to themselves. They avoid conflict. In fact, they see conflict as shameful, undesirable and even sinful. Conflict is not sinful. Anger is not evil and making good judgments is not bad. Tolerance often becomes the goal for the peacekeeper. The boat rocks less when moored to the dock, but that is not what boats were made for. Too often the result of keeping the peace is indifference, which may be easier, but we are called to lean into the wind with respect for and reverence for everyone, even those who are different and even difficult. Peacekeepers often make peace by sidestepping conflict. This kind of peace doesn’t necessarily last. And it certainly changes the definition of peace to merely the absence of conflict. Peace is more than freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts, conflicts or emotions; rather it is the acquisition of stillness, quiet hope in the storm, even happy resolve and contentment regardless of the status of the situation. Peace is not the absence of conflict but it is the quiet and confident resolve in the middle of the situation or relationship.
A peacemaker also wants peace. Whether or not they like disputes, they are not afraid of conflict or disagreement and stand in their own integrity. They allow others to share their position without fear of damaging the relationship; they respond rather than react. Peacemakers balance the desire to be right with the need to be responsible for others. Although there is something satisfying about being able to argue a position with nimble thinking, irrefutable facts, and logically sequenced arguments, there is something even more gratifying by holding space for another’s ideas or being curious to understand another’s perspective. The truth is that you don’t have to be in agreement with people in order for them to feel heard. When a peacemaker speaks the truth in love they are aware that it may cause discomfort, yet they will continue to create space for brave conversations. Being a peacemaker requires more of us – more listening and more courage. It takes wisdom to hold grace and truth together. It is easier to build a wall than a bridge, but peacemakers become adept at bridge building, sailing in rough seas and lighting the way for others looking for safe passage. Like Jesus, who is our Peace, peacemakers go first. They do the next right thing. Jesus makes peace by breaking something. Eph. 2:14-16 reminds us that He had to break down our wall of hostility. Reconciliation with God came at a price. We too are called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:21), which means a righteous action towards setting things right, similar to God’s own anger.
God calls us to be peacemakers. He challenges us to be initiators of true and lasting peace. Paul says, “as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). To live is an active verb. It is not something that happens to you; instead, it is the often painful journey through conflict that creates peace with others and (not just) ourselves. Keeping unity and the bond of peace is the goal. Peacemakers ask: Where do I need to make peace? Who do I need to bear with and move toward? Who do I need to pray for? Am I trying to create peace or just maintain it? How can I make peace in addition to keeping it?