What Jesus Did! 'Waging Peace' — Matthew 5:9

Thursday, February 13, 2025

[Jesus continued:]
"God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God."
— Matthew 5:9 NLT

Key Thought

"Wage Peace." That's a fairly popular bumper sticker around our neck of the woods. At first, it may sound similar to the old Hippie song, "All we are saying is give peace a chance." However, deep in our hearts, we know there is a tremendous difference between being a peace-lover and a peacemaker. Peace-lovers like the calm and security and illusion of "giving peace a chance." But peace has no chance unless it is waged! Peace is not a state that results because of a lack of wars; peace is the result of work, character, and sacrifice of those who are peacemakers. They wage peace. They take risks, they forgive wrongs, and they compromise on their personal demands without sacrificing their personal integrity. They are willing to pay the price to make and preserve the peace with integrity. No wonder God calls such people his children; they're doing what is like him!

Today's Prayer

Loving and merciful God, thank you for providing the sacrifice which brought me peace with you. Forgive me when I have loved peacefulness more than I have loved waging peace. Please give me the integrity, character and fortitude to do today and each day what brings peace in my work place, my home, and my heart. Through the blessed name of Jesus, who purchased my peace, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Micah 5:4-5
  • Hebrews 12:14
  • Isaiah 54:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:9 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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