The Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
When a culture loses its sense of righteousness, the result will be an absence of peace.
Romans 12:18 (AMP) If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
1. Peacebreakers
Peacebreakers are those who deliberately work against peace.
James 3:16-18 (NIV) For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
2. Peacekeepers
Peacekeepers are those who believe that “peace” is the absence of conflict.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
3. Peacemakers
Peacemakers are those who are willing to step in to do all they can to resolve conflict.
Matthew 5:9 (NLT) God blesses those who work for peace…
Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace…
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
“We cannot improve the future without disturbing the present.” —William Booth
Who does Jesus want us to be?
1. At peace with God
Romans 5:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
1 Peter 3:11 (AMP) He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it].
2. Value being on the right side
Joshua 5:13-14 (NLT) When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied, “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”
3. Value people more than being right
Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
4. Know who the real enemy is
Ephesians 6:12 “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”
5. Willing to build bridges
James 1:19 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” —Winston Churchill
6. Believe for a positive outcome
Matthew 5:9 (AMP) Blessed [spiritually calm] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.