Curiosity Over Judgment: The Heart of Peacemaking

In my last post, I shared about the biblical foundation for peacemaking. But what does this actually look like in practice? How do we move from understanding our calling to living it out?

The Privilege of Partnership with God

Ultimately, we remember that God is the one who invites us into this work of peacemaking with him. In this in-between space of the Kingdom of God being here and not yet, we ache for peace, wholeness, and healing that can only come through God. And yet, what a privilege it is to work alongside the Lord in building bridges and being active agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). 

Scripture gives us clear direction for how this takes shape in daily life. We are called to live and walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2), which might look like slowing down enough to listen to someone we disagree with. We are called to practice forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32), whether that means reconciling with a family member or letting go of a grudge at work. 

We are called to resist favoritism (James 2:1-12), treating the person who can give us nothing in return with the same dignity as the person who might have all the connections and ability to reciprocate. 

We are called to gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-26; Philippians 4:4-7), choosing not to fuel division in an online argument but instead responding with patience and prayer. 

And we are called to humility (Philippians 2:1-11), valuing others above ourselves in a culture that demands we put ourselves first. Sometimes humility looks as simple as saying, "I don't know" when pressured to have opinions on everything. In our age of being lightly informed yet highly opinionated, this kind of honest restraint is countercultural.

As peacemakers, practicing humility means recognizing we may never know someone's full story or fully grasp the depths of brokenness around us. When we encounter conflict, injustice, or pain, humility reminds us that there are layers of context and hurt we cannot see.

This recognition should shape us into people who approach others with curiosity instead of judgment. It’s choosing to actively learn through genuine questions, listening to understand rather than wanting to be correct, and responding with grace that acknowledges both our limitations and God's call to love well (Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2: 1-3). 

Peacemaking at the Church Level

At the Church level, Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation is one that calls us to live as faithful witnesses, respond to the needs of the sick, oppressed, and marginalized.

Peacemaking as the Church looks like consistent involvement in our communities, opening our doors to welcome refugees or immigrants in our neighborhoods. It looks like churches intentionally building bridges across denominational or racial divides in their cities. 

It looks like prayer groups faithfully interceding for persecuted believers and those who are caught in the crossfires of conflict around the world, even after the headlines move on. 

It looks like participating in active theological reflection and biblical reflection to every area of our lives, leaning on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and Scriptures for guidance. 

It looks like Christians practicing koinonia: fellowship, partnership, and mutual support. In practice it looks like seeing and cherishing every believer as an integral part of the Body of Christ (see Acts 2). 

At its heart, peacemaking at the church level isn’t about programs but presence: being with and loving those we live among, actively listening for the Spirit’s guidance, and choosing to reflect the Kingdom of God in tangible ways, even in broken systems.

Conclusion

Peacemaking begins with the recognition that the world is broken, and as children of God who are redeemed, we are called into partnership with the God who reconciles all things. It's messy work that requires humility, patience, and a willingness to be changed by those we encounter. But in choosing this path, whether in our families, churches, or communities, we experience something of the Kingdom that is both here and not yet. 

In a world fractured by violence, division, and injustice, may the Church be known not for fueling conflict but for embodying Christ’s reconciling love. May we be peacemakers who point others to the ultimate Prince of Peace.

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If you're interested in learning more about biblical peacemaking, I recommend the Principles of Peace, a resource developed by the Peace and Reconciliation Network (an initiative founded by the World Evangelical Alliance) and the Tyndale Intercultural Ministry Team. 

If you would like to begin cultivating a practice of praying with other believers for people around the world, Operation World is a fantastic resource to begin learning more.