The Judeo-Christian Model of Peacemaking
A Solid Foundation for Christian Marriage Counseling
The first half of Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” is well known far beyond religious circles. It is referenced in books on conflict management for organizations, in documents published by the United Nations, in secular magazine articles, and has even been inscribed on a gift from one world leader to another. The significance of the second half of the verse, “they shall be called the sons of God,” however, is regularly overlooked. Yet, it is the second half of the verse that unlocks the door to a distinctive model of peacemaking.
Jesus said that peacemakers “shall be called the sons of God.” This description indicated close identification with God. The phrase, “sons of God” was an expression that meant, “having the characteristics of” or “doing the work of” God. In Jewish thought, the terms son and daughter often were used to convey the idea that they shared in the essence or nature of the one to whom they are said to be related. The phrase "like father, like son” succinctly captures the meaning of Jesus’ words.
Relevance. Jesus’s words in Matthew 5:9 indicate that God is the ultimate peacemaker. They also indicate that to the degree Jesus’s followers emulate God in this respect is the degree to which they identify themselves as God’s children. If we really want to become “chips off the old block” in making peace with others, the critical question that needs to be answered is, “According to the Scriptures, how does God make peace with us?” If we can identify the pattern God uses in making peace with mankind, we can extract a clear-cut model peacemakers, Christian marriage counselors, and others can use to make peace. Happily, such a pattern can be found. It is the theological foundation upon which Christian marriage counseling should be based on. To learn more read my book,
"Hope in the Face of Conflict: Making Peace with Others the Way God Makes Peace with Us."
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My name is Dr. Ken Newberger. I have earned a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution as well a Th.M. (Master of Theology) from Dallas Theological Seminary. My northern Virginia office is in Reston where I offer an effective alternative process to traditional
marriage counseling. Having served as a Senior Pastor for a decade, I readily understand the all the concerns that Christian couples, who are guided by their faith, have. For a more detailed description of my background, go my
Bio Page.
As great as Fairfax and Loudoun counties are in terms of places to live, work, and visit, they are not immune from the stresses and strains that plague marriages all over the country. If you need repair and rebuild your Northern VA Christan marriage, call me at 703-483-0031 to discuss your situation. I look forward to speaking with you.
