The Power of Peacemakers; The Wasted Effort of Peacekeepers

The U.S. Air Force has a now-retired aircraft nicknamed the B-36 “Peacemaker.”  It was a large and powerful aircraft, but it was not designed to deliver aid, relief, and assistance; it delivered nuclear bombs.  It made no attempt to placate our enemies by supporting their needs.  Instead, it maintained peace through the projection of overwhelming power by sending a message of deterrence, not harmony.  It prevented conflict by making the cost of aggression unaffordable.

“Peacekeepers” are not the same as “peacemakers”.  People who consider themselves to be “peacekeepers” often view themselves as calm, fair individuals.  They may be nice, but they are routinely disadvantaged.  They often bear the greatest burden while getting the least benefit because their needs are usually disregarded by others.  Few people take the needs of peacekeepers into consideration, since running afoul of them comes at little to no cost.  Additionally, it leaves more on the table for everyone else.

Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”; not the peacekeepers.  If you need to establish peace, remember that YOU are also part of the group, and YOU deserve peace as well.  Peacekeepers, unlike peacemakers, seldom find peace for themselves.  They often prioritize calmness at the cost of sacrificing their own needs and values, leaving them with emotional exhaustion.  Their senses are constantly scanning in order to preempt conflict, and their weapon of choice is their willingness to give up their own needs.  Their efforts usually continue long after their reservoir has been emptied, often leaving them vulnerable to depression and anxiety.  Generally speaking, peacekeepers do not matter to others.  They are the ones often blamed when harmony inevitably collapses.  By reinforcing interpersonal pathology, peacekeepers unintentionally make things worse, not better.

Peacemakers, on the other hand, clearly display the consequences of harmful behavior.  They do not necessarily squelch discord or dissent, they aim to address it, correct it, and create lasting peace.  They act to restore, not to contain.  Peacemakers possess strength, confidence, and wisdom.  They are skilled in numerous ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict.  They recognize and address problems before they reach critical mass, making everyone involved feel valued, heard, and considered.

Jesus’ mission was to make peace: to restore, reconcile, and transform relationships.  He did not come to passively maintain the status quo.  He confronted sin, injustice, and hypocrisy wherever he found it.  His teachings call people to accountability and righteousness, and he desires our full commitment.  His presence implemented the framework to one day establish eternal peace.

Peacemakers do not swallow abuse from others.  They reject exploitation, enforce boundaries, and restore order.  They are viewed as a powerful presence that commands respect and stabilizes situations with authority that was earned and is trusted.  By addressing issues proactively and setting appropriate limits, peacemakers reduce harm and support the emotional health of themselves and others.