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5 Examples of Peacemakers in the Bible – Viral Believer
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5 Examples of Peacemakers in the Bible

Introduction

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in a world that is often filled with conflict and strife. Our faith teaches us the importance of seeking reconciliation and promoting harmony in our relationships with others.

In the Bible, we find numerous examples of peacemakers who sought to make peace whenever possible, even in difficult and trying circumstances.

In this blog post, we will explore five examples of peacemakers in the Bible. From Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, to Jesus, the ultimate example of peacemaking, these individuals provide us with valuable lessons on how to be agents of reconciliation in a world that is often filled with division and strife.

We will examine their lives and actions, seeking to learn from their examples and apply their teachings to our own lives.

Being a peacemaker involves several key characteristics, including humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to seek reconciliation. It is not always easy, and we may face opposition and resistance along the way.

But as we seek to follow the examples of these five peacemakers, we can learn how to be ambassadors of peace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

peacemakers in the Bible

Abraham

Abraham is known as the father of the Jewish people and was a man who sought to make peace whenever possible. In Genesis 13:8-9, we see Abraham’s willingness to make peace with his nephew Lot. The land was not able to sustain both of their flocks, and so Abraham proposed that they separate.

He gave Lot first choice of the land and was content to take whatever remained. Abraham’s humility and willingness to compromise enabled them to avoid conflict.

Another example of Abraham’s peacemaking is found in Genesis 14:14-16. Lot and his family had been taken captive, and Abraham rallied his men to rescue them.

He didn’t seek revenge or attack the captors, but rather sought to rescue his family and bring them back to safety. In doing so, Abraham showed his love for his nephew and a willingness to make peace even in difficult situations.

Abraham’s willingness to trust in God and to obey Him even when it meant sacrificing his own son Isaac is another example of his peacemaking nature.

When God asked him to sacrifice his son, Abraham obeyed without question, even though it was a difficult command. In the end, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Abraham’s faith and obedience were rewarded.

Joseph

Joseph is known for his story of being sold into slavery by his own brothers and rising to power in Egypt. Despite his brothers’ mistreatment, Joseph forgave them and sought to make peace with them. In Genesis 50:19-21,

Joseph reassured his brothers that he had forgiven them and that God had used their actions for good. He chose to focus on reconciliation rather than revenge, and his forgiveness allowed for healing and restoration in their relationship.

Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and his administrative skills also enabled him to bring peace to Egypt during a time of famine. Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s wisdom and put him in charge of the nation’s food supply.

Joseph was able to use his position to provide food for not only the Egyptians but also for his own family when they came to Egypt seeking relief from the famine.

Moses

Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Along the way, he faced numerous conflicts and challenges. One of the most notable examples of Moses’ peacemaking is found in Exodus 32:11-14.

The Israelites had built a golden calf and were worshiping it instead of God. God was angry and wanted to destroy them, but Moses interceded on their behalf.

He sought to make peace between the people and God, reminding God of His promises and His mercy. Moses’ prayer resulted in God showing mercy to the people and not destroying them.

Another example of Moses’ peacemaking is found in Numbers 12:1-16. Moses’ own sister and brother, Miriam and Aaron, spoke out against him and questioned his authority. Instead of retaliating, Moses humbly prayed for their healing and restoration.

His willingness to forgive and seek reconciliation with his own family shows his commitment to being a peacemaker.

David

David was a man after God’s own heart and sought to honor God in all that he did. Despite his many victories in battle, David also knew the importance of making peace. In 2 Samuel 21:1-14, we see David making peace with the Gibeonites.

Saul had wronged them, and David sought to make amends on behalf of the nation of Israel. He asked the Gibeonites what it would take to make things right, and they requested that seven of Saul’s descendants be handed over to them.

David agreed to their request, showing his willingness to make peace and seek reconciliation.

David’s relationship with Jonathan, the son of Saul, is another example of his peacemaking nature. Even though Jonathan was Saul’s son and David’s rival for the throne, they formed a deep friendship and made a covenant of peace with each other.

David’s love for Jonathan and his willingness to make peace with him despite their differences is a powerful example of how we can seek reconciliation in our own relationships.

Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and his life and teachings provide numerous examples of how we can seek peace in our own lives. One of the most famous examples is found in John 8:1-11.

A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, and the religious leaders demanded that she be stoned to death, as the law required. But Jesus saw the woman’s heart and knew that she needed forgiveness and mercy.

He forgave her and challenged the accusers to examine their own hearts before casting stones.

Another example of Jesus’ peacemaking is found in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus teaches about reconciliation between brothers. He instructs his followers to first go to their brother in private if they have been wronged, seeking to restore the relationship.

If that does not work, they are to bring along one or two others as witnesses. And if the brother still refuses to be reconciled, then the matter should be brought before the church. Jesus’ emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation shows his heart for peacemaking.

In addition, Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate act of peacemaking. In Romans 5:8-11, we see that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. His death made peace between us and God, reconciling us to Him.

And as followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example and seek peace in our relationships with others.

Conclusion

As we can see from these five examples, being a peacemaker is not always easy, but it is an important part of our calling as Christians. We are called to be agents of reconciliation in a world that is often filled with conflict and strife.

We can learn from the examples of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and Jesus, seeking to make peace whenever possible and promoting harmony in our relationships.

Being a peacemaker involves several key characteristics, including humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to seek reconciliation. We must be willing to put aside our own desires and opinions and seek to understand the perspectives of others.

We must also be willing to forgive those who have wronged us and seek to restore broken relationships.

Ultimately, our ability to be peacemakers is rooted in our relationship with God. As we grow in our understanding of God’s love and mercy, we will be better equipped to extend that same love and mercy to others.

Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” May we strive to be peacemakers in our homes, workplaces, and communities, bringing the love and peace of Christ to all those around us.

And may we always remember that our ultimate example of peacemaking is found in the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.