The Peacemakers | The Beatitudes
THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the Peacemakers…
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NLT)
Peacemaker vs. Peacekeeper:
Peacemaker: someone who is willing to resolve both outer and inner turmoil in order to establish peace with others and within themselves. Inevitably, peacemaking will require engaging in conflict and tension to help bring the situation to a solid place.
Peacekeeper: desires to maintain peace by avoiding conflict. They typically give in to the tension or steer clear of disagreement to keep others happy. Peacekeepers hate rocking the boat; therefore, they will sacrifice their own inner peace to maintain the “facade” of peace with others.
PEACEMAKING IS NOT…
1.) Peacemaking is not the absence of conflict.
2.) Peacemaking is not passive; it’s active.
3.) Peacemaking is not appeasement.
4.) Peacemaking is not avoidance.
A peacemaker is one who is actively trying to reconcile people to God and to one another.
“We are never more like God than when we take the wholeness and completeness, the “shalom of God” we have, into a world that desperately needs it.” Unknown
SOUL TATTOO: I desire to live my life actively making peace instead of just trying to keep peace.
Why should I care about making peace?
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“When a problem causes you to lose your peace, don’t hurry to resolve the problem in hopes of regaining peace, but first regain peace and then see what can be done about the problem.” Unknown
1.) Unresolved conflict will hinder your relationship with God.
15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15 (NIV)
2.) Unresolved conflict will hinder your prayers.
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)
23 So, if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)
3.) Unresolved conflict hurts you more than anyone else.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
SOUL TATTOO: I desire to live my life actively making peace instead of just trying to keep peace.
Becoming a Peacemaker:
- Discern peace:
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Carry peace:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
- Imitate peace:
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“Be the peace you wish to see in the world.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
SOUL TATTOO: I desire to live my life actively making peace instead of just trying to keep peace.