In Search Of Peacemakers

Few leaders are willing to be known as peacemakers.  But even more concerning is the fact that many Christian leaders have abdicated their roles as peacemakers in pursuit of theological justice.  We have taken sides – in Ukraine and in Israel – and we have left the innocent at the mercy of politicians, war-lords and global powers.

This past week the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Naledi Pandor, held a phone call with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, just 10 days after the Palestinian militant group launched a deadly attack on Israel.

Ms Pandor has been heavily criticized by those aligned outside the ANC for holding this meeting.  It could be well perceived that because Ms Pandor is a Muslim (she had to convert to Islam after marrying Sharif Joseph Pandor) her decisions are dictated by her Muslim faith.  It could further be argued that, purely from a political perspective, talking with the leader of Hamas will be a fruitless exercise and might even legitimise the group in their acts of terror.

HOWEVER, as Christians, the lenses we look through do not seek political solutions with victory for one and defeat for another.  And for this, Ms. Pandor needs to be applauded.

The ultimate purpose of engagement and dialogue from a Christian perspective is redemption.  It is therefore no coincidence that Jesus blessed the peacemakers and said they will be called Children of God (Matthew 5:9).  There can therefore be no higher calling within the Kingdom of God, as children of God, to pursue the heart of our Father.  This is the same Father that redeemed the radical persecutor Saul to become the radical apostle Paul.  BUT, God needed a peacemaker servant to introduce the “enemy” to the saints (Acts 9:27).  And He found Barnabas, the son of encouragement and a man of peace, full of the Holy Spirit.  Peacemakers are special people.  They possess the unique quality needed to look beyond prejudice, self-preservation and dualism to intervene as reconcilers.

• Peacemakers talk WITH people, not ABOUT people.
• Peacemakers extend grace to all conflicting parties, especially those who least deserve it.
• Peacemakers seek solutions, they don’t dwell on obstructions.
• Peacemakers engage the marginalized, they don’t give preference to the favoured.
• Peacemakers pursue reconciliation through inclusion, not alienation by exclusion.
• Peacemakers listen – to all – even the enemies of their allies.
• Peacemakers do not seek popularity in order to feed their egos, they seek peace in order to relieve the hardship of the innocent.

But most of all, peacemakers are impartial

James 3:17  (KJV) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. .

Wisdom from above (divine, not earthly) is closely connected to impartiality.  We can only respect, and be respected, when we remain impartial.  It is simply impossible to fulfil the mandate as peacemakers when we are partial and choose sides.

The challenge with modern-day Christianity is that we tend to see ourselves as the defenders of faith and protectors of truth.  We see it as a spiritual duty and a Godly virtue to observe conflicts, and then defend the side that represents our interpretation of truth.  We become partial, intolerant, and demonstrate noble convictions in barbaric ways.  We demonize the opposition, speak up for what is right and then encourage intolerance towards those who think differently.  We believe that Scripture hates compromise, and that tolerance is a sign of weakness.  After all, isn’t it true that courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval?

Please don’t read this wrong.  This principle is not about compromising our convictions or even tolerating evil.  The principle is about representing an impartial platform for two fighting parties to reconcile, regardless of what we hold as truth.

Sadly, party politics have hijacked the impartiality of many believers.  We became judge, accuser, and defender all at once while we were only called to be witnesses.  Without impartiality there can be no reconciliation, no peace, and no hope.

No, I don’t think Ms. Pandor is impartial, but I do believe she is pursuing peace.  Only when we as believers support endeavours of reconciliation will peace turn into redemption.  And only when redemption prevails will peace be lasting.

Are you able to look at people beyond your political, racial, cultural, and religious convictions?

Picture:  https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/