Make Peace Today - Encouragement for Today - February 23, 2026

Christine Caine February 23, 2026

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (CSB)

I imagine one of the hardest things for any of us to do is extend an olive branch — to go and make peace with someone. It’s not easy to be the first one to say “I’m wrong” or “I’m sorry” or “please forgive me.” It’s not easy being the first one to overlook an offense, the first one to go out of our way not to keep a false sense of peace but instead truly seek peace.

But as difficult as it may be, it’s what God wants us to do.

Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Notice that Jesus did not say “blessed are the peacekeepers” or “conflict avoiders.” Pastor and author Rick Ezell writes, “Jesus did not say ‘blessed are the peace wishers or the peace hopers or the peace dreamers or the peace lovers or the peace talkers.’” No. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Pastor Ezell also says being a peacemaker means being someone “who is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another.” In fact, “the word make in the term ‘peacemaker’ comes from the Greek verb that means ‘to do’ … It is a word bursting with energy.”

This shows us two things:

First, being a peacemaker is not a passive behavior based on an easygoing personality or temperament. Instead, it’s solely based on who we are in Christ. Being a peacemaker reflects our identity and character as children of God. And when we extend an olive branch to someone to proactively make peace, there’s a blessing that comes with it. Remember that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9, emphasis added).

Second, because we’re children of God, we have been reconciled to God and called to a ministry of reconciliation. It’s from this ministry God has given us that we actively seek to reconcile people to Him and to one another. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, “Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us” (CSB).

What love God has for us that He entrusted to us the message of reconciliation! He trusts us to go about doing all we can to make peace and bring reconciliation into every relationship where we have influence — particularly when we’re challenged to be the first to say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

God, please help me to be a true peacemaker. Help me to be quick to apologize, take accountability for my wrongdoing, and ask for forgiveness. Help me minister reconciliation. And help me overlook offenses more easily. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

When life feels overwhelming, Christine Caine’s new book The Faith to Flourish offers a grounded, hope-filled reminder that you can stay rooted in God in every season. Drawing from the resilience of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine shares biblical wisdom and practical steps to help you develop deep spiritual roots that endure pressure, pruning, and hardship — and still produce lasting fruit. It’s time to see what God is growing beneath the surface and move from simply surviving to truly flourishing. Get your copy here.

ENGAGE

Discover more biblical teaching, encouragement, and practical insights to strengthen your walk with God through sermons, stories, and Christine Caines’s Equip & Empower podcast on her YouTube channel. Also stay connected daily by following her on Instagram @ChristineCaine.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine. To celebrate this book, Christine’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, March 2, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Matthew 5:23-24, “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift” (CSB).

Romans 12:18, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (CSB).

How quickly do you seek to reconcile with others by saying, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”? How do you manage situations when others don’t want to reconcile with you? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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