We live in a world where conflict is commonplace. Whether it’s a disagreement between friends, an issue between neighbours, or a war between nations, peace often seems elusive. Yet, in the midst of this brokenness, there is a message of hope and restoration. A message that Jesus himself spoke about—a message of peace.
The Salvation Army stands firmly on the belief that peace is God’s design for all people and all relationships. From the very beginning of creation, God intended for peace to reign. When sin entered the world, violence and discord followed. But the good news is that God’s plan is to restore peace, and He calls us to be part of that plan.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, spoke of a peace that surpasses understanding. He told us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This isn’t a peace that is simply the absence of conflict. No, this is a peace that brings justice, healing, and wholeness. This is a peace that restores what has been broken and makes it whole again.
The Salvation Army affirms that peace is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a practical pursuit. We know that peace, especially in a world filled with conflict, is not always easy to achieve. The causes of violence are complex. They are rooted in histories of injustice, in hearts filled with anger and fear, and in societies that disregard the dignity of others. But despite these challenges, we believe that God has called us to be agents of change, to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs it.
What does peacemaking look like?
Peacemaking isn’t just about ending wars or preventing violence—it’s about living with a heart that seeks reconciliation, justice, and healing in every aspect of life. It’s about acknowledging that when there is hurt, there must be forgiveness. When there is division, there must be reconciliation. When there is injustice, there must be a cry for justice.
As Salvationists, we are committed to peacemaking, both globally and locally. We believe that peacemaking is not just for governments or world leaders, but for every single one of us. We are called to pray for peace, to pursue peace with everything we have, and to be equipped as peacemakers in every circumstance.
Peacemaking requires courage, humility, and grace. It requires us to step into difficult situations and seek understanding, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. But it also brings hope. It brings hope that, through God’s strength, we can build cultures where peace and justice walk hand in hand. We can create environments in our families, churches, and communities where reconciliation is possible and where the gospel of peace is proclaimed.
How can we be peacemakers?
Being a peacemaker involves more than just praying for peace—it requires action. The Salvation Army believes in “just peacemaking”—a practical approach to peace that is grounded in the teachings of Jesus and rooted in justice. Here are some of the key ways we can live as peacemakers:
- Support non-violent direct action: Seek peaceful ways to resolve conflict, even when tensions are high.
- Work to reduce threats: Take proactive steps to create safer and more just environments.
- Seek reconciliation: Acknowledge responsibility for conflict, repent where necessary, and pursue forgiveness.
- Advocate for justice: Speak out against injustice, stand for human rights, and foster a world where all are treated with dignity.
- Build strong communities: Encourage cooperation, collaboration, and mutual respect.
As individuals, as churches, and as a global movement, we are called to be a light in the darkness. We are called to seek justice, to fight for peace, and to embody the love of Christ in all that we do.
The journey of peace
Peacemaking is not easy, and it’s certainly not quick. It’s a lifelong journey of humility, learning, and growth. But it is a journey that brings joy, hope, and a deep sense of purpose. May we, as Salvationists, commit to being peacemakers in this broken world. May we pursue peace with passion, with perseverance, and with the knowledge that our God is a God of peace. And may we remember, in every step, that peacemakers are called children of God.
The Salvation Army’s International Positional Statement can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cache.salvationarmy.org/f9008382-b8c3-4b2c-b90d-43f6fbcc3db4_English+Peacemaking+IPS.pdf