The Wisdom of Harmonious Living

PROVERBS 3:30, 31; 15:1, 18; 22:24, 25; 25:18, 21, 22; 26:20, 21; MATTHEW 5:9; JAMES 3:17

GOLDEN TEXT: “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.”—Matthew 5:9

TO BE at peace with our brethren in Christ, and with all with whom we come in contact, is a goal for which all Christians are to strive. The Apostle Paul states it correctly, saying that so far as possible we should live peaceably with all men. (Rom. 12:18) But peace is not to be sought after at any price. To do so would not be in keeping with heavenly wisdom, for it would sometimes mean compromise with truth and righteousness. The Apostle James (3:17) states the proper order in which heavenly wisdom operates, saying that it is “first pure, then peaceable.” Purity of character and of the truth should never be compromised in the interests of peace. Those who do so will not only lose the truth, but will fail to obtain enduring peace, particularly peace with God.

Our Golden Text expresses the thought of peacemaking in its highest aspect. It is, of course, eminently proper for Christians to radiate peace and good will in all their dealings with others. Their influence should always be toward making peace. They should be willing and glad to “pour oil on troubled waters” whenever the opportunity arises, and in this sense be makers of peace. But we think that Jesus had more than this in mind in the Beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Those to whom this Beatitude applies are referred to by the Apostle Paul as ministers of reconciliation.—II Cor. 5:18

As ministers of reconciliation it is the Christian’s privilege to serve as peacemakers between God and men. Paul writes, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom.5:1) What a blessed condition of peace with God the consecrated believers in Christ truly enjoy! But the apostle asks the question, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14) So here is where we all have the privilege of being peacemakers; that is, we have the opportunity, yes, the commission, to say to all who have a hearing ear, “Be ye reconciled to God.” (II Cor. 5:20) We do this by telling them of the provisions of God’s grace through Christ.

Jesus declares that such peacemakers shall he called “the children of God.” These “children of God” are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” (Rom. 8:17) If faithful they will share with him in the great work of reconciling the whole world to God during the millennial age. It is for this great blessing that the world is blindly waiting. Paul speaks of it as waiting for the “manifestation of the sons of God.”—Rom. 8:19

The Scriptures indicate that the Lord wants his people to use tact in presenting the message of reconciliation, the truth. They are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Besides, they are to be patient, and merciful, and kind. The love of God and his Spirit of benevolence and generosity should fill and control them. We are not to “strive with a man without cause.” (Prov. 3:30) Maintaining our own rights is not a proper cause for strife among Christians. Indeed, we are not to strive at all in the sense of fighting and strife, although we are to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”—Jude 3

“A soft answer turneth away wrath,” writes Solomon (Prov. 15:1) Where love controls, a “soft answer” will always be forthcoming, regardless of extenuating circumstances, for “love is kind.” (I Cor. 13:4) “A wrathful man stirreth up strife.” (Prov. 15:18) How true this is, and how unbecoming is such a disposition to a Christian.

Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 22:24,25, concerning not making friends with an angry man lest we “learn his ways,” confirms what we have already noted; namely, that peace should not be sought at any price. If we compromise with wrongdoing, we will get to be wrongdoers. If it is not possible to live peaceably with people, especially professed brethren, without compromising our own standards, it is best to disassociate ourselves from them, lest we become corrupted by their evil ways.

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; … for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee,” writes the prophet. (Prov. 25:21,22) This passage is quoted by the great Apostle Paul in Romans 12:20. The apostle observes, in connection with the quotation, that we should not be “overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21) Certainly this method of dealing with our enemies is quite different from that practiced by the world, but it is the Christian way.

And how quickly the world’s problems would be solved if everyone were governed by this principle! Then the angel’s message of “peace on earth” would come true.

QUESTIONS:

Is peace such a priceless possession that it should be sought at any price?

What is the larger meaning of the Beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God”?

When will all mankind learn to live at peace with one another?

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