Peacemaking in a divided time

Often times when we think about peace, we see it as the absence of conflict. A time when people stop fighting- whether it is a couple that fights or nations on the brink of war. It is said that America is a divided nation; by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, political ideology and religion. We are a nation of us vs. them.

​Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Mt 5:9).  What is peacemaking? It is defined as the process of bringing about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries. I am no better than my adversary if I pick up their weapons, in an attempt to hurt them in the way I have been hurt.

Peacemaking is not wishful thinking or ignoring conflict.
Peacemaking is not silence in the face of injustice.
Peacemaking is not about appeasing the powerful or being complicit in oppression.

Peacemaking is about loving those who are different, even if I disagree with them.
Peacemaking is about addressing the injustice and conflict head on; while keeping humanity of those at the table intact.
Peacemaking is about creating seats at the table and centering the voice of those affected by violence in the discourse.

Peacemaking is not for the faint of heart. Peace is not the absence of conflict.
Peacemakers are those willing to go through conflict, engage in dialogue, listen deeply, see humanity in others, and allow themselves to be seen in order to come out on the other side.

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