Jon Belmar

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”—Matthew 5:9.

Ferguson, Missouri is once again in the news, with confrontations and violence erupting in the streets. Out of this scene of conflict, someone stepped forward to take on the role of peacemaker.

When a recent protest threatened to get ugly, St. Louis County police chief Jon Belmar intervened. Without a helmet or a shield, Belmar walked over to the demonstrators and told them to get off the street. He told a reporter, “They’re not going to take the street tonight. That’s not going to happen.”

Belmar’s efforts were successful. He and the rest of the police force were able to keep the protesters on the sidewalk and out of the street. Peace prevailed.

It takes courage and resolve to be a peacemaker, and we need more people who possess these qualities. Communities, families and churches need calm, mature leaders to make sure that peace prevails.

Jesus promises a special blessing for those who make peace.

Let’s do the best we can to keep the peace in our own sphere of influence.