There is a distinct difference between peacekeepers and peacemakers. Peacekeepers will do all they can to keep peace. Don’t get anyone riled up they think. Just go along with it and let it ride out. It will be Ok, I just need to give in, swallow my preference and go along with it. Emotionally it is too hard to deal with it, so let’s just let things be as they are. Peacekeepers will agree to do things they don’t agree with, all under the guise of, we need to keep peace at all costs.
Peacemakers, on the other hand, are bold individuals who are willing to face the challenge of making quality decisions so as to arrive at a conclusion that brings peace for everyone involved in any given situation. It means asking the hard questions, sharing their own hearts, while taking steps toward the best possible solution that will give way to a peaceful resolution and best outcome for all involved. Their courage and forthrightness guarantee the best outcome possible in any given circumstances
One philosophy “keeps” what is, being afraid to confront and work for something better. And one “makes” the decision to arrive at something better than status quo, better than current circumstances and more reasonable and rewarding for all concerned.
James tells us how to do it and the fruit of it! James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Jesus, on the other hand gives them a title: Matt 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Make peace or keep peace? One requires you to just keep quiet and maintain. The other requires action that brings into reality something that didn’t exist before. It is something that is made or created, not something that gives way to status quo!
Be a peacemaker! The fruit tastes much better and the name given is one to be proud of!