Peacemaker: The Jesus Way

A Biblical Guide to Making Peace with the World Around Us

Cain stood motionless, his chest heaving, a crude weapon still clutched in his trembling hand. Before him lay the lifeless body of his brother, Abel, sprawled on the blood-soaked earth. The ground, darkened and stained, seemed to drink in the crimson flow as if crying out in protest. The stillness of the moment was deafening, broken only by the faint whisper of the wind carrying an unspoken accusation. Abel’s blood, pooling and sinking into the soil, bore silent witness to the tragedy—a brother’s rage turned deadly, a heart consumed by jealousy and sin. Shame, guilt and fear replace the emotion of rage surging through Cain’s body. In that moment, Cain’s actions echoed far beyond the fields, unleashing a legacy of fractured relationships and unresolved conflict that continues to plague humanity to this day.

In Genesis 4, we witness a tragedy born from jealousy, anger, and unaddressed conflict. When God rejects Cain’s offering but accepts Abel’s, Cain grows bitter and furious. Despite God’s warning—“Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:7)—Cain allows his resentment to fester. The result? A broken relationship spirals into violence, leading to the first recorded murder in human history. This story is a chilling reminder of the destructive power of unresolved conflict and the devastation that can follow when we fail to pursue peace.

But what does it truly mean to be a peacemaker? And why does Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, elevate peacemaking to the level of divine blessing, declaring, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)? The answer lies in understanding that peacemaking is not simply about avoiding conflict or maintaining surface-level calm. Instead, it is a courageous and God-honoring pursuit of reconciliation, justice, and grace.

In our last essay, we discussed the Shoes of Peace where the Apostle Paul points us to a Christian life of Peace. This essay explores the vital Christian calling and aspect of the shoes of peace which is to be peacemakers. Conflict, though difficult, is an opportunity for the gospel to shine. But how do we resolve conflict as followers of Christ while remaining Christlike?

Conflict is an Opportunity to Spread the Gospel

Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world. But for Christians, it is also an opportunity to reflect the gospel. When we find ourselves in conflict, we have the chance to show Jesus to others—especially to those who may not know Him.

Cain’s story reminds us of what happens when God’s purposes in conflict are ignored. Instead of approaching his brother with humility or seeking God’s wisdom, Cain acted out of anger and selfishness. His failure to respond as a peacemaker led to death and alienation from God. In contrast, Christians are called to use moments of tension to glorify God by demonstrating grace, humility, and forgiveness.