This is the seventh beatitude, and seven was the number of perfection for the Hebrews. Perhaps the Savior placed peacemaking seventh because the peacemaker comes closest to the perfect man in Christ Jesus. If you want the fullest blessing possible on earth, you must reach this seventh blessing and become a peacemaker.

But notice where this verse sits! Right before it, we read: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Catch the order—first pure, then peaceable. Your peacemaking must never become a compact with sin or a toleration of evil. Set your face like flint against everything that opposes God and his holiness. Only when purity is settled in your soul can you move on to making peace.

And look what follows! However peaceable you may be, you will be misunderstood and misrepresented. No marvel! Even the Prince of Peace brought fire to the earth by his very peacefulness! Though he loved mankind and did no ill, he was "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief."

So that peaceable hearts won't be surprised when they meet enemies, the next verse adds: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Do you see it? The peacemakers are not only pronounced blessed—they are compassed about with blessings on every side!

Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be "first pure, then peaceable," and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair when for your sake we are persecuted.