blessed are the peacemakers.

what does it mean to be a peacemaker in the kingdom of god? does it mean that we avoid conflict with each other? "if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

but is it even possible to live in relationship with one another in a community without conflict? conflict builds intimacy, so i don't believe we should avoid it. rather, perhaps we should ask how to be a peacemaker and a peacekeeper when conflict does arise.

being a peacekeeper means being humble and gentle. it means striving not to be offensive, and recognizing when you have offended. it means being quick to make amends. it means believing the best about the people around you, and in doing so, having the grace to overlook an offense toward you. a peacemaker shouldn't stand at a distance and avoid intimacy with her community. instead, a peacemaker should embrace everything that comes with fellowship - and this includes the inevitable conflict. a peacemaker should be quick to apologize, quick to forgive, quick to forget. she should be slow to become angry, slow to judge, and slow to accuse.

a peacemaker's heart longs for reconciliation and intimacy with her Father and with her community. she is bent towards love and has a heart that is soft towards people. the holy spirit is her companion and she is able to listen to him, even in the middle of conflict and strife.

-- please comment. i'm working on an article on this topic. this is a very rough sketch of what the article would include, but any feedback is appreciated. thanks! --