“Blessed are the Peacemakers”
“Becoming a Peacemaker: Reflecting the Son of God”
Matthew 5:1–9 ESV
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Introduction:
Good morning, everyone! Today, we continue our series titled “Becoming,” where we’re diving deep into the Beatitudes.
As we’ve discussed, the Beatitudes aren’t just moral ideals—they are the blueprint for becoming more like Christ.
They reveal not only how a Christian should look but also how a true Christian should live.
Everyone wants to be blessed… We want to be blessed in life, blessed in death, and blessed in eternity.
The Beatitudes show us the pathway to this blessed life.
Jesus, the Son of God, doesn’t just describe the blessed life; He guides us on how to pursue it.
Throughout this series, I’ve emphasized that the Beatitudes build upon each other, creating a comprehensive picture of Christian character.
They lead us progressively toward a deeper understanding of what it means to live a blessed life in God’s kingdom.
Imagine the Beatitudes as the rungs of a ladder leading upward, each step dependent on the one before it.
1. First rung: "Poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) - The journey begins with recognizing our spiritual poverty, our need for God, which forms the foundation for the entire ladder.
2. Second rung: "Those who mourn" (Matthew 5:4) - As we acknowledge our spiritual need, we naturally mourn over our sin and brokenness, leading us to seek God's comfort.
3. Third rung: "The meek" (Matthew 5:5) - Mourning our sin softens our hearts, creating meekness—a humble acceptance of God's will and a gentle spirit towards others.
4. Fourth rung: "Hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6) - With a meek and humble heart, we begin to crave righteousness, desiring to live in a way that pleases God.
5. Fifth rung: "The merciful" (Matthew 5:7) - As we pursue righteousness, we recognize our need for mercy and, in turn, extend mercy to others, reflecting God’s grace.
6. Sixth rung: "The pure in heart" (Matthew 5:8) - Showing mercy leads us to seek purity of heart, striving for an undivided devotion to God.
7. Seventh rung: "The peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9) - With a pure heart, we become instruments of peace, actively working to reconcile others to God and each other.
8. Eighth rung: "Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matthew 5:10) - As we become peacemakers, we may face persecution for our righteousness, but we hold firm, knowing that the kingdom of heaven is ours.
9. Ninth rung: "When people insult you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:11-12) - The final rung is enduring personal attacks and false accusations because of our faith, yet we rejoice, understanding the great reward that awaits us in heaven.
Each Beatitude represents a step closer to God, where the growth in one area naturally leads to the next.
See... spiritual maturity is a journey where each stage prepares us for the next, ultimately leading us to a fuller experience of God’s kingdom.
Today, we reach a significant step in this progression, step 7—Matthew 5:9
Matthew 5:9 ESV
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
This Beatitude naturally follows the others, showing how a heart transformed by Christ will seek to bring peace in a world of conflict.
A peacemaker embodies the qualities we’ve discussed in the previous weeks and receives the ultimate blessing of being recognized as a child of God.
This identity comes with a role in God’s kingdom—being agents of His peace and reconciliation.
Two weeks ago, Justin referred to these as attitudes, and I couldn’t agree more.
The Beatitudes shape our inner character, while the fruit of the Spirit represents the actions that flow from these attitudes.
Today, we’re focusing on the attitude of peacemaking.
Today we are focusing on Matthew 5:9...
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Peacemakers are those who have been reconciled to God through the cross, experiencing true peace with Him.
• Having received this peace, they now dedicate their lives and witness to guiding others—including their enemies—toward reconciliation and peace with God.
1. The Identity of a Peacemaker
1. A peacemaker is defined by their commitment to reconciliation and harmony, both with God and with others.
Matthew 5:9 AMP
9 Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
a. I love how the AMP Bible translates this… the makers and maintainers of peace.
b. The Greek word for "peacemakers" is eirenopoioi, which carries the idea of someone who creates peace, not just for themselves, but also for others.
i. It involves resolving strife, promoting harmony, and building bridges between people.
c. Being a peacemaker involves both creating peace where there is none and maintaining it where it already exists.
i. It requires wisdom, patience, and sometimes, confrontation in love.
ii. The concept of peace in the Bible is deeply connected to the idea of shalom in Hebrew, which encompasses wholeness, completeness, and well-being.
iii. It’s not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of everything that makes life good and whole.
iv. It includes aspects such as harmony and reconciliation, welfare and well-being, and restoration."
d. Peacemakers reflect the nature of God....this identity is rooted in reflecting the very nature of God, who is the ultimate reconciler.
e. Peacemakers mirror God’s character.
i. Just as God pursued reconciliation with humanity through Jesus, peacemakers are those who actively seek to bring reconciliation in relationships and communities.
ii. This identity is a profound marker of being a child of God.
iii. Isaiah 52:7 beautifully captures this,
Isaiah 52:7 ESV
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
a. Do you see where it says... “publishes peace”?… this is talking about people who bring good news… who proclaim good news… in context, this was referring to the honor that was upon those who brought the message of release from Babylon’s captivity.
i. It has application to today, because we are the ones who are peacemakers… bringing the message of salvation through Christ.
b. We know that Jesus was the Ultimate peacemaker:
i. Scripture tells us this…
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
i. Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners.
ii. God delights in those who reconcile others to Himself.
iii. This is our calling and our identity as His children.
a. They they are in Christ, have a new nature and a new DNA!
1 Corinthians 6:17 NLT
17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
a. Romans 8:10 where it says “if Christ be in you, then you are dead”...
b. 2 Corinthians 5:17… “anyone joined to Christ is a new being”.
c. This is your identity!… It is your DNA… it is who you are!
i. DNA is the genetic information inside the body's cells that make people who they are.
Galatians 3:26 NLT
26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:27–29 NLT
27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
a. You are of the family of God… in Christ there is no gender… there is no race… there is no social status…
b. You are TRUE children of God… you are Abraham’s heirs...
c. If you are in Christ, you are a peacemaker...
d. You are never more like God than when you take the peace of God you have and share it with a world that desperately needs it.
e. In order to be a peacemaker, you need to remove all self-centeredness from your life.
i. Too many Christians are seeking to serve their own needs or their own agendas… and their angle for peace is only to defend the hurts done to them.
ii. Jesus as our example… never cared about what was done to him or not done to him… his goal was that all had the opportunity to have peace with God.
f. It’s essential to understand the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper.
g. Peacekeeper Vs Peacemaker
h. Jesus is not calling us to be peacekeepers—those who avoid conflict at all costs.
i. Rather, He calls us to be peacemakers, those who actively seek and promote true peace, even when it means stepping into conflict.
j. Peacekeeper Characteristics:
i. A peacekeeper often prioritizes avoiding conflict, focusing on maintaining the status quo.
1. They may make superficial compromises to keep everyone happy, but this approach often leads to unresolved tensions.
2. They minimize discomfort, sometimes by sweeping problems under the rug rather than addressing them head-on.
3. This approach might create temporary harmony, but it often leads to unresolved issues that resurface later.
k. In contrast...
l. Peacemaker Characteristics:
i. A peacemaker is proactive in resolving conflicts, seeking to address the root causes of discord to bring about genuine reconciliation.
1. It is not pretending things don’t exist, or that they will somehow “get better”.
2. Peacemakers do not shy away from difficult conversations or uncomfortable situations.
3. Instead, they engage in these moments with the goal of true healing and lasting peace.
4. This pursuit of peace is grounded in righteousness and justice, leading to genuine unity and harmony.
m. Understanding this is an essential part of living out our identity as children of God.
n. We realize that it’s not about passively avoiding conflict but actively seeking reconciliation and harmony.
o. Now that we’ve established who we are as peacemakers, the next natural step is to explore how we live out this identity in our daily lives and what it means to actively pursue peace, bringing it into our relationships, communities, and beyond.
2. The Pursuit of Peace
1. Pursuing peace involves actively working towards reconciliation and resolving conflicts through love and humility.
a. Imagine a gardener diligently tending to their garden.
i. Pursuing peace is much like cultivating a garden: you need to
1. prepare the soil.
2. water the plants.
3. and remove the weeds.
b. This process demands ongoing care and attention, but it results in a vibrant, flourishing environment.
c. In the same way, we must actively nurture and cultivate peace in our lives and relationships.
d. Just as a gardener ensures every part of their garden is tended to, we need to be intentional about fostering peace.
e. This involves:
i. Nurturing relationships: Invest time and effort into building and maintaining healthy relationships.
ii. Addressing conflicts: Confront and resolve issues with a spirit of reconciliation, just as a gardener removes weeds to ensure plants grow.
iii. Making sacrifices: Be willing to set aside personal grievances for the sake of unity, similar to how a gardener sacrifices time and effort for a thriving garden.
f. Pursuing peace is a daily commitment to living out God's peace in a world that desperately needs it.
g. It's not enough to merely wish for peace; we must take deliberate, intentional steps to cultivate it in our lives, relationships, and communities.
“Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' And I think a lot of people don't understand that there's a difference between a peace lover and a peacemaker. Everybody loves peace, but wearing jewelry around your neck and saying 'I love peace' doesn't bring it.”
Mike Huckabee
a. This pursuit requires wisdom, patience, and a heart aligned with God's will,
b. It is recognizing that true peace comes from Him.
c. The peacemaker is intentional at finding, creating, and maintaining it.
d. True peacemaking involves active engagement and tangible efforts to bring about peace
e. Look at what Paul writes in Romans 12:18.
Romans 12:18 NKJV
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
a. I love this passage… this passage underscores YOUR personal responsibility in pursuing peace.
i. Remember… this is your identity in Christ…
ii. This verse is advocating living peaceably with all people, yet the very wording reveals that this is not always possible.
iii. You aren’t responsible for others actions… but you ARE responsible for your own!
iv. You are responsible for you… and as much as it depends upon you…work for peace and reconciliation…
v. Hebrews 12:14 further reinforces this idea:
Hebrews 12:14 NIV 2011
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
a. Here, peace is linked with holiness, suggesting that the pursuit of peace is deeply spiritual and reflective of our relationship with God.
i. True peace begins with reconciliation with God and then to others.
b. As peacemakers, we should strive to mend broken relationships, forgive offenses, and seek forgiveness where we have wronged others.
c. and EVEN IF WE ARE NOT AT FAULT!…as much as it depends on you, pursue peace!
d. However here is the hard truth… we cannot be true “peacemakers” by avoiding conflict, honesty, and tense situations.
i. Instead, we must engage and step into the conflict and learn how to MAKE peace instead of just KEEP it.
e. Let’s be honest for a moment—many people shy away from peacemaking and settle for peacekeeping because they fear disagreement or causing offense.
f. “Peacekeepers” often set aside their own thoughts to simply go along with others.
i. but that is NOT Christ-like
g. The truth is, in those kinds of situations, there’s no genuine peace, no lasting peace, and no true reconciliation.
i. Why? Because even though you’ve appeased the other person, you yourself are not at peace.
h. There will always be a risk of disagreement when you pursue peace, and sometimes, a peacemaker might even be labeled a troublemaker.
i. And that label might be deserved if the person seeking peace is simply trying to justify their hurt feelings.
1. You can’t let emotions govern your intentions.
2. People who are easily hurt are often driven by their own self-interest in efforts to make peace.
3. Let me say this, if your pursuit of peace is about seeking justice for yourself, it will only lead you to trouble.
ii. Your pursuit of peace must be about their freedom, not your feelings!
iii. Speaking the truth in love should never be about YOU!
1. If it is, then you're not right with God, because as a believer, you're called to forgive immediately.
i. But honesty sometimes is painful, but the truth given with love will bring peace.
j. We use the word, not force…we speak humbly and softly… and the word is sharp and it is quick...
Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
a. When you use the word… they cannot blame you!
b. A true peacemaker focuses on the other person's freedom.
i. Honesty, even when it hurts, is necessary for making peace.
Proverbs 20:30 ESV
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.
Proverbs 27:5–6 NLT
5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love!
6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
a. Remember, these teachings are not about proving yourself right or rebuking someone for their mistreatment of you.
i. That is not peacemaking, and it is certainly not Christ-like.
b. Instead, they promote unity and freedom.
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
a. We've all encountered people who seem ready to argue about anything.
b. Just spend a few minutes on Facebook, or at a family reunion, or at work, neighborhood meetings…CHURCHES… and you're likely to stumble upon a heated, degrading argument … or disagreement of some kind.
c. However, it's entirely possible to confront or disagree with someone without letting the conversation turn ugly.
i. Maintain respectful communication… be a listener… use kind and respectful language
ii. Focus on the issue, not the person… you must separate behavior for their identity!
iii. Look for common ground… look for a shared value and try to build a foundation for dialogue.
iv. Express your perspective clearly… share your viewpoint honestly and with empathy… resist being confrontational
v. Manage emotions… keep your mouth and attitude in check! Don’t be impulsive with responses.
vi. Aim for Resolution, not victory… your solution is healing and peace not winning the fight.
vii. Be willing to apologize and forgive… be humble… be willing to say sorry if you have caused hurt…even unintentionally.
viii. Pray… never underestimate the power of prayer!
d. This is one of the ideas Paul was emphasizing in Ephesians 4:14-16
Ephesians 4:14–16 (NIV 2011)
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
a. There is a delicate balance required when navigating disagreements and conflicts.
i. In any disagreement, there's a need to balance two crucial elements—truth and love.
ii. Truth involves being honest about your own beliefs and perspectives,
iii. While love involves respecting and valuing the other person’s views and feelings.
b. The challenge lies in holding both of these elements together, rather than prioritizing one over the other.
c. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to "speak the truth in love," emphasizing that honesty should be communicated with kindness, compassion, and respect.
d. This approach promotes growth and maturity within the community, reflecting Christ’s character.
e. Often, people feel they must choose between being truthful or being loving.
f. However, the true power lies in maintaining this balance.
g. This creates an environment for peace.
1. Practical Steps in Pursuing Peace
a. Always Seek Reconciliation:
i. Both with God and others.
ii. As peacemakers, we should strive to mend our broken relationships, forgive offenses, and seek forgiveness of those we have wronged.... even if we did it unintentionally!
iii. Matthew 5:23-24 instructs us to reconcile with others before offering our gifts at the altar, highlighting the importance of peace in our worship and daily lives.
Matthew 5:23–24 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.
b. Promote Justice and Righteousness:
i. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of Justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 32:17 ESV
17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
i. Peace, in its deepest sense, is about fostering genuine, supportive relationships that help individuals grow and thrive.
ii. This may involve standing up against injustice, advocating for the marginalized, and ensuring that our actions reflect the righteousness of God.
c. Cultivate Peace in Our Hearts:
i. The pursuit of peace must begin within. Colossians 3:15
Colossians 3:15 NLT
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
i. To be effective peacemakers, we must first experience and maintain inner peace through our relationship with God.
ii. This means trusting in His sovereignty, laying our anxieties before Him, and allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
d. Pursue Peace in Our Relationships:
i. Relationships are often the ground where peace is either cultivated or lost.
ii. Ephesians 4:2-3 advises us to
Ephesians 4:2–3 NLT
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
i. Practically, this looks like being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19), addressing conflicts directly and lovingly, and prioritizing unity over personal preferences.
e. Peacemaking is a lifestyle… but remember it is not a spiritual gift… meaning… it is a quality that we strive for… it is something we cultivate… not something God has specifically called us to go on a mission for.
i. I am highlighting this so that a person can balance their role in it… because it can be abused.. where over critical people think it is their “calling” to find problematic areas in others and insert themselves to “create” peace.
ii. This will lead to a negative environment where constant criticism will actually undermine efforts to foster harmony.
iii. We speak the truth in love and let the Holy Spirit do the rest!
f. We should not forget the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the pursuit of peace.
g. The Holy Spirit is essential in helping us become effective peacemakers.
h. He empowers and guides us, providing all we need through the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23:
Galatians 5:22–23 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
a. As we embrace the attitudes of the Beatitudes, the Holy Spirit enables us to put these qualities into practice.
b. Jesus promises a reward to those who pursue peace—both in their relationships and within their own hearts.
3. The Reward of Peacemaking
1. The reward for being a peacemaker is both a present blessing and a future promise, and it is deeply tied to our identity as God’s children.
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
a. This is so profound for several reasons:
i. Affirmation of Identity: Being called a "son of God" affirms our elevated status within God's family, not as the least but as beloved and significant members.
1. It establishes our true identity and position in God's kingdom.
ii. Relationship with God: The term "son of God" signifies a close, intimate relationship with God.
1. It is reflecting His role as a loving Father who offers guidance, protection, and provision.
2. This relationship transforms our connection with God from distant Creator to personal Father.
iii. Inheritance: As children of God, we inherit His promises and blessings.
1. This includes eternal life, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and future glory.
2. This inheritance covers both our present walk with God and our future hope.
iv. Representation of God’s Character: Being called God's children means reflecting His character to the world.
1. Peacemakers embody God’s reconciling work through Jesus Christ, demonstrating His love, mercy, and justice.
v. Eternal Significance: This identity shapes our purpose and assures us of our place in God’s eternal kingdom.
1. It imbues our peacemaking efforts with lasting value and significance.
b. Understanding this provides a solid foundation for recognizing the tangible ways this identity impacts our current lives and how we look ahead toward the future blessings.
1. The Present Blessing:
a. Being a peacemaker brings immediate blessings into our lives.
i. We experience peace with our God.
1. We have been made right in God’s sight… do not ever rush past this understanding and not celebrate it in your life!
Romans 5:1–2 NLT
1 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.
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
1. You peace with our God— you have access to all of God’s best!
a. There is a deep, abiding inner peace that comes from being reconciled with God.
2. You are free from condemnation— Your past mistakes do not define you!
3. You can have confidence in His love— Unconditional love and acceptance, you can approach God with boldness as His child!
4. It releases divine favor— You are a son of God, and have the blessings of the sonship.
5. You have hope and purpose— your life has purpose and meaning.
ii. We experience peace within ourselves.
1. We can experience peace within our own hearts and lives. This peace extends to our relationships, communities, workplaces, and churches.
Philippians 4:6–7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
1. You have freedom from anxiety— You have a peace that protects your heart and mind from worry and it alleviates anxiety, freeing you from the stress and turmoil that can come from unresolved conflicts or fears.
2. You have emotional stability— You have the ability to have this barrier that protects your heart and mind in the midst of life's challenges and it keeps you CALM and FOCUSED!
3. You have increased Joy and Contentment— You inner peace brings a great sense of joy and a deep satisfaction to transcends our external circumstances.
4. You have an Enhanced Trust in God— You have confidence that God’s provision and sovereignty will bring you guidance and support in all situations.
5. You have Strength for Peacemaking— You are equipped with the ability top be an agent of reconciliation and healing, reflecting the peace we've received from God.
iii. We experience peace with our circumstances
1. You have peace for the moments you need it the most… when you do not think you can go on anymore!
a. How many of you are willing to be honest in church today and admit… that there are times… you have reached the end of the rope?
i. You have nothing left… you are empty.. and you are just plain overwhelmed… guess what… you have a reward of peace for that...
John 16:33 NLT
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
1. You have resilience in adversity— Knowing Jesus overcame the world helps you to remain steadfast and hopeful, regardless of what your going through.
2. You have calm assurance— You have a peace because God is on your side an din control, your struggles are temporary.
3. You have hope and confidence— God is working all things for the good of those who love him.
4. You have strength to overcome— You have the ability to overcome every obstacle, you are empowered and enabled to approach problems and have victory.
5. You have emotional and spiritual well-being— You are able to navigate life’s storms with a sense of stability and inner contentment.
b. The Future Promise:
i. The Beatitude points to a future promise: "peacemakers will be called sons of God."
ii. This isn’t just a label; it signifies a profound relationship with God.
iii. Just as Jesus, the Prince of Peace, demonstrated God’s nature, peacemakers reflect this divine character.
iv. One day, this identity as God’s children will be fully realized when we enjoy the ultimate peace of being united with God in His kingdom.
v. This promise assures us that our efforts in peacemaking are not in vain but are rewarded with an eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Closing and Altar Call:
As we conclude today, I invite you to reflect deeply on your role as a peacemaker.
Challenge yourself to take a concrete step towards peacemaking in your own life.
Think of someone with whom you have unresolved conflict or strained relations.
Pray for guidance and commit to taking one specific action this week to seek reconciliation with that person.
Whether it's initiating a conversation, offering an apology, or simply reaching out with kindness, remember that peacemaking often starts with small, intentional acts of love and forgiveness.
If you’re struggling with conflict—whether in your relationships, your workplace, or even within yourself—know that the peace of God is available to you right now.
This peace begins with a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Maybe you’re here today, and you’ve been struggling with conflict in your life—whether it’s in your relationships, your workplace, or even within yourself.
There is a peace that comes from God that is available to you right now, and it begins with a relationship with Jesus.
If you’re feeling the weight of unresolved conflict or the burden of living without peace, I want to invite you to come to the altar this morning.
The altar is open for anyone who needs to surrender a situation to God, seek His guidance, or simply find His peace in your heart.
Whether you need to surrender a situation to God, ask for His guidance, or simply seek His peace in your heart, the altar is open.
For those who have never made a decision to follow Jesus, this is your moment.
He is inviting you into a relationship where you can experience true peace, both now and for eternity. Come forward, and let’s pray together.
Let’s ask God to make us peacemakers who reflect His love, mercy, and grace to a world in desperate need of His peace.
