Peacemaking in a Polarized World

In today’s world, it feels like we’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Tensions rise, disagreements escalate, and it becomes easy to forget that, as followers of Christ, we are called to something greater: to be peacemakers.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Peacemaking isn’t about avoiding conflict or pretending we all agree. It’s about creating spaces where understanding, compassion, and healing can flourish.

This call is especially urgent in times like these, when the United States feels deeply divided. We all come from different places, hold different opinions, and see the world through different lenses. These differences, though challenging, do not have to divide us.

We are united by something far more powerful than idealisms: the love of God. It is a love that doesn’t take sides but meets each of us exactly where we are. It is a love that reminds us to treat one another with dignity and grace, even when we disagree.

Being a peacemaker starts with how we listen and how we pray. It’s about asking God to soften our hearts, open our ears, and guide us toward understanding. As we seek peace in our homes, our church, and our nation, I invite you to join me in this prayer:

God of all,

Help us to listen with open hearts,
Not to respond with anger or defensiveness, but to truly hear the stories and struggles of those we might not understand.
Remind us that our words have power—the power to heal or to wound—and guide us to speak with gentleness and love.

Gracius God, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.

Bind us together as one people—not because we think alike,
but because we are held in Your grace.
May we live as peacemakers, reflecting Your love in all we do.

In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray.
Amen.

Peacemaking isn’t always easy, but it is holy work. As we step into this week, let’s commit ourselves to this calling—not just in our words, but in our actions. Let’s build bridges instead of walls, seek understanding over judgment, and strive to live as children of God, blessed to bring peace to a hurting world.

Warmly,

David