Peacemakers

What does it mean to be blessed? 

Here’s a good definition … BLESSING means to be on the receiving end of the tangible and intangible favor of God.

Each of the beatitudes underscore this thought

Blessed are the…

That word blessed in the Greek carries the idea of spiritual joy and satisfaction that lasts regardless of conditions, that carries you through pain, sorrow, loss and grief.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Amazing - Jesus will attach blessing – the favor of God – to this point of understanding conflict resolution.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

One of the evidences that you are a child of God, proof that you are on your way to heaven is that you are a peace maker.

This term peace maker – comes with a certain amount of misconception

Let me begin by telling you what that term is not referring to.

  •   It is not avoiding. 

  • It is not appeasement

Why should I be a peacemaker?

1.   Unresolved conflict hurts my relationship with God.

1 John 4:7–8 (NIV84)

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:19–21 (NIV84)

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

2.   Unresolved conflict hinders my prayer life

1 Peter 3:7 (NIV84)

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Luke 10:27 (NIV84)

27 He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

3.   Unresolved conflict destroys my personal peace and happiness.

James 3:18 (NIV84)

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.