More often than not those who are “peacemakers” will be abused. They will at least have to endure aggression and give a soft word in return. (Prov. 15: 1.) There will be no end to the peace which comes from Christ because there was no end to the suffering He was willing to endure. (Isa. 9: 7.)

When we hearken to the Lord’s commandments we have peace like a river flowing. (Isa. 48: 18.) This is because the Lord will fight for you, and you can hold your peace. (Exo. 14: 14.) The Lord will fight Zion’s battles. (D&C 105: 14.)

When a man is right before God, even his enemies are at peace with him. (Prov. 16: 7.) At least until his time comes and his mission is completed. (D&C 122: 9; John 19: 10-11.)

When the Lord was taken with violence and crucified, He was at peace. (Luke 23: 24.) He purchased peace through what He suffered. He alone can share that with all. (Isa. 53: 5.)

Through Him, the “peacemakers” have found this peace. This is why they have become His “children” for He has begotten them. (Mosiah 27: 25.)

In a world of violence and abuse, it is peace we seek. But that peace comes only to the children of God and only because they know they are the children of God. At their rebirth, they are at rest from the cares of this dreary world, and informed by a better promise of things to come. (See Alma 13: 29, and our earlier discussion about that verse; see Moroni 7: 3.)

Those who bring peace bring hope to this world. This world if filled with tribulation, but the Lord has overcome this world. (John 16: 33.)  Many have experienced this peace, become children of God, and then been persecuted, hated, reviled and killed. (Hebrews 11: 33-35.)

Peace is a gift from Christ, and His peace is for this world and for the world to come. (John 14: 27.) But the promise of triumph is hereafter, when the world can no longer make any claim upon a child of God.  (D&C 122: 4 and 135: 6-7.)

Though a man may declare peace, the world will not be at peace until the Lord slays the wicked. (Rev. 19: 11-16.) Peace, as all other sacred things in our day, must be internal. We live in a day of overwhelming ignorance, foolishness and wickedness. It is not possible to obtain peace except on the terms which allow it. If you live those, you will have peace. But the world will not live them with you.

Patrick Henry put the problem of peace in this world into immortal words: “Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

The war remains today, but now it is against all righteousness. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph. 6: 12.) Elder Packer cannot even preach a sermon to a congregation of Saints belonging to a church over which he holds office without the anger and vilification of the homosexual community and others being aroused. 

If you are to find peace, and to become a peacemaker here, then it is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The world will not know peace again until He returns. To be a child of God and know peace is, in our day, to cry repentance and to bring others to Christ.