A Place on the Team Sheet
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
The team sheet had two names crossed out. Caleb and Martin had argued during practice, and their friends had started taking sides. By lunch, children who had never seen the argument were repeating it.
Eli wanted his team to win on Saturday, but he also wanted his friends to speak kindly again. He stopped passing along the story. Then he asked the coach to help Caleb and Martin talk through what had happened. Eli could not apologize for either boy. He could refuse to add another shove to the trouble.
Peacemaking takes more care than announcing that everybody should get along. Sometimes it means listening. Sometimes it means getting a responsible adult involved. Jesus calls His people to this work. Eli did not fix every feeling that afternoon, but he stopped feeding the quarrel and helped make room for an honest conversation.
Bring the truth into your day
A peacemaker does more than ask everyone to stop talking about a problem. Listen fairly, refuse to spread insults, and help people seek a truthful solution. Some disagreements need a responsible adult. Do not keep harmful behaviour secret just to make a group look peaceful. Jesus honours peacemaking, and real peace should make room for honesty, repentance, and proper care for the person who has been hurt.
Keep the passage in context
Jesus describes the character of those who belong to His kingdom. Making peace does not earn adoption into God's family, and peace never requires calling evil good.
Read further: Matthew 5 in the King James Bible.