BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

"Blessed are the peacemakers," our Lord said, "for they shall be called the sons of God." (Mat 5:9) This verse is often quoted by those who are seeking to persuade someone not to bring up a controversial subject. Just don't bring it up, that way we can keep peace and harmony in the church.

But these were not the only words our Lord spoke concerning peace. He also said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Mat 10:34-36)

These two passages seemingly contradict one another, but there really is no contradiction. I believe Paul gave us the key to understanding this when he said "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Rom 12:18) Paul did not mean by this, as many may think he did, that we must act in a peaceful way toward someone for a while, but then if the person continues to show animosity toward us we can consider him our enemy and treat him as such. What Paul did mean was that we must do our part to make peace. But just as it takes two to fight, it also takes two to make-up. If the other party involved does not wish to live at peace then you will not live at peace. However, this still does not absolve you of your responsibly to continue to try to live peaceably with that person.

When asked by Peter, if it was only required that he forgive his brother who had sinned against him seven times, Christ replied "I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven." (Mat 18:22) We must never give up our efforts to be peacemakers, regardless of how anyone treats us. Just like our Lord forgave those who crucified Him. This is what the Lord was speaking of in Matthew chapter 5.

But in Chapter 10 He is speaking of one of those times when people will be so distressed they will refuse all your attempts as a peacemaker. It's not that you have given up, but that they have. What could possibly cause such serious problems and divisions among family members? The words which Christ spoke were to be the source of all this controversy.

Indeed the word of God has inspired more controversy than anything else in the history of the world. It would certainly boggle the mind to know how many millions of people have died over the centuries in the name of Christianity. This involves everything from the witch hunts of Salem, the Inquisition of the Middle Ages, the Crusades and many others. How many friendships and family ties have been severely damaged or destroyed due to disputes over God's word?

However, the saddest and most disturbing disputes occur among brethren. This century has seen the Lord's church suffer many such disputes. There have been wholesale divisions and splits over various doctrinal issues; sunday school and women teachers, the pastor system, divorce and remarriage, the second supper, one vs. multiple containers, and others.

It is understandable that men will differ in their perception of the Bible, but what is not understandable is the results of some of these disagreements. If two men cannot agree on the meaning and application of some point of scripture, and they feel that it is of enough significance that they could not, in all good conscience, continue to work with each other, then the only thing for them to do is to cease working together until they are able to resolve their differences. No one should ever be asked to support or agree with a position which they do not genuinely hold.

The real problem arises when someone demands that everyone else adhere to their viewpoint, and then ostracizes those who don't. A simple doctrinal disagreement between two men soon becomes a personal war of words between many men with congregations disfellowshipping each other left and right.

Again, I acknowledge the legitimacy of not fellowshipping those whose doctrines and practices you find unscriptural based on your understanding of the Bible. But does that mean they have to become your enemy? Does that mean it is a sin to even speak to them?

In the past few decades there has been way too much bitterness and personal feuding in the name of doctrinal purity. As long as the feuding continues it will be impossible for a meaningful discussion of the issues to take place. How can we say we are doing our part to make peace if we even refuse to talk to those who disagree with us?

As this century has unfolded we have seen many divisions in the Lord's body and with it an overall weakening of the Church as well. It is as Christ said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." (Mat 12:25)

Everyone must take a firm stand on the truth as they understand it. No one should ever be asked to compromise his sincerely held views for the sake of unity. However, we should all be willing to sit down with those with whom we disagree, regardless of how serious the disagreement is, how old it is, or how bitter it has been in the past, and discuss our differences in an open and frank manner. How else can the wounds be healed? As the Lord said so well, "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God." (Mat 5:9)