Tension was high as elected officials debated about how to run the local government. There was no consensus about how to proceed, and the discussion was getting heated. At this point, a wise, experienced former politician who was in the audience was granted permission to speak. His advice was well-received, and the meeting was soon adjourned before tempers got out of hand.

I learned about this incident from a report in the local newspaper. A few days later, I ran into the former politician, who happens to be a friend of mine. I told him I had a Bible verse for him—“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt.5:9).  We shared a laugh and went our separate ways.

Peacemaking is not an easy job, but there certainly are a lot of opportunities. Conflicts often arise in government, at work, in the family and even in the church. When such situations occur, we are all blessed when children of God say and do things to bring peace out of turmoil.