Introduction

In today’s sermon, we delved into the profound message of Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” This passage is often misunderstood, especially in times of conflict. The sermon emphasized the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker, urging us to actively pursue peace in our lives, both with God and with our fellow humans.

What Does It Mean to Be a Peacemaker?

The Difference Between Peacekeepers and Peacemakers

Many people confuse peacekeeping with peacemaking. Peacekeepers often avoid conflict, hoping it will resolve itself. They might bury their heads in the sand or sweep issues under the rug. However, this approach usually leads to more significant problems down the line. Peacemakers, on the other hand, actively seek to resolve conflicts and bring about true peace.

Biblical Example: Jesus and Saul

A powerful example of peacemaking is found in Acts 9, where Jesus confronts Saul, a persecutor of Christians. Instead of ignoring Saul’s actions, Jesus directly addresses him, leading to Saul’s transformation into Paul, one of the greatest missionaries in Christian history. This story illustrates that true peace often requires direct and sometimes difficult conversations.

Making Peace with God

How to Make Peace with God

Making peace with God begins with accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This act of faith is the foundation of a peaceful relationship with God. If you haven’t taken this step, consider doing so today.

Questions to Reflect On

– Have you experienced the peace that Jesus brings?

– Have you given your life to Jesus and trusted Him as your Lord and Savior?

Making Peace with Others

Evaluating Your Relationships

To be a peacemaker, you must evaluate your relationships and address any unresolved conflicts. Here are some questions to help you reflect:

– Are you having imaginary conversations with someone? If so, it’s time to have a real conversation with that person.

– Is your walk with Christ being hindered because of a broken relationship?

– Do you need to lovingly confront someone or something?

– Are you forgiving as you’ve been forgiven?

The Importance of Hard Conversations

Hard conversations are essential for true peace. While they may be uncomfortable, they are necessary for resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships. Remember, peace is not about avoiding conflict but about actively working towards resolution.

Life Application

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to be a peacemaker. Identify one relationship where there is unresolved conflict and take steps to address it. Here are some questions to guide you:

– Who do you need to make peace with?

– What steps can you take to initiate a conversation?

– How can you approach the situation with love and humility?

Practical Steps

1. **Pray for Guidance**: Ask God to give you the wisdom and courage to address the conflict.

2. **Reach Out**: Contact the person and express your desire to resolve the issue.

3. **Listen Actively**: Be open to hearing their perspective and finding common ground.

4. **Seek Forgiveness**: Be willing to apologize and forgive, as you have been forgiven.

Conclusion

Being a peacemaker is a challenging but rewarding calling. It requires us to actively seek resolution and build stronger, more meaningful relationships. As you go through this week, remember that true peace comes from God and is reflected in how we interact with others. Take the first step towards being a peacemaker today.

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If you need support or have questions about making peace with God or others, feel free to reach out to us at 386-734-1991. We’re here to pray for you and support you on this journey.