Be a Peacemaker!

Life is hard. We struggle many times with navigating the ups and downs of it all. It’s easy to get stuck. When that happens, it’s easy for us to settle for where we are and stay there. But that is not the life Jesus came to give you. Somewhere deep in all of us is a longing for more - more life, more joy, more peace. What does that kind of life look like? How do you find it? Where do you begin? And what can you do about all the stuff that gets in the way? Fortunately for us, Jesus came to help us answer these very questions and so many more. He came to show us that when life hurts, He heals.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Last week we talked about showing mercy and are you about

Solution>Pollution

Solution: the action or process of helping to solve a challenge

Pollution: introducing harmful materials into your environment.

So, how can we be a peacemaker?

You have to have peace rule in your own heart

What is the only source of true peace?

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.””

Proverbs 12:20 “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”

When we have peace rule our own heart, only then will we have that joy.

Joy is a choice. Rick Warren gave us this definition of joy: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

2. Peacemakers are active not passive

Active = being in a state of progress!

Passive = Not taking action, but instead just letting things happen

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”

This is just 1 of many examples that we were not designed to do life alone. We should have God and others in our life to help us. God is Omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere.

Colossians 1:17 “He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.”

If you are in Christ, meaning you are a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, you are not alone.

If you ever feel far from God, remember, He isn’t the one that moved.

So be active and make progress, because God is on your side!

3. Peacemakers are Gentle

The Beatitudes build on themselves. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.”

The NKJV says another word for humble as Meek or gentle. Being gentle is not a sign of weakness. Being gentle is knowing that you have that immense power, but you keep it under control. In situations you respond rather than react.

4. Peacemakers are resolute in the truth.

Resolute means determined, purposeful, unwavering.

We can find the truth in God’s word.

God's Word is truth; what He says is true. We cannot simply discard it because we disagree with it. If we do, we are, in effect calling God a liar. - John W. Ritenbaugh

5. Peacemakers are patient.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools.”

Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.”

In a world where everything is fast paced. Be Patient. Be content in the wait.

All of these characteristics that were described tonight, should be a direct reflection of an active faith!

Take Away:

Our relationship with Jesus should bleed into every relationship we have with others.