13. What blessing is pronounced on those who bring peace with them? Matthew 5:9. Consider James 3:18; Luke 2:13-14.
NOTE: ‘Christ’s followers are sent to the world with the message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker. And “blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” The spirit of peace is evidence of their connection with heaven. The sweet savour of Christ surrounds them. The fragrance of the life, the loveliness of the character, reveal to the world the fact that they are children of God. Men take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus. “Everyone that loveth is born of God.” “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His;” but “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” 1 John 4:7; Romans 8:9, 14.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 28.
14. What final blessings are pronounced on those peacemakers whose godly lives stir up strife? Matthew 5:10-12.
NOTE: ‘Persecution is one of the best of all purifiers and character-developers. The Christian church has always been in its purest and most godly state while passing through persecution. At such times it has had the greatest power to witness for Christ. Why? Because godliness awakens opposition, and Christian character develops faster and becomes most vigorous under such stress and strain. It is under such circumstances that the Christian seeks the throne of grace most constantly and at the throne of grace “we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16.) Although godliness always precedes the persecution for righteousness’ sake, the persecution plays an important role in purging out the dross and perfecting Christian character. Persecution increases with the increase of godliness, and the increase of godliness increases the likelihood of persecution. The remnant of God’s people will pass through “great tribulation.” But out of it they will come with robes washed and made “white in the blood of the Lamb.” (See Revelation 7:13-14.) It is for these reasons that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake receive the blessing and benediction of heaven and are asked to rejoice. Does all this seem too hard? If the Spirit of God dwells in our hearts, He will strengthen us for whatever may befall us and it will not be too difficult for us to bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Here is God’s promise: no temptation, no trial, no test will be too great for us to bear. God knows how much we are able to withstand and He weighs and measures the temptations, the trials, the tests. He will never permit Satan to afflict us with any temptation, trial or test that is too strong for us to resist. This is His promise.’ Taylor G. Bunch: The Beatitudes, pages 86-87.