Blessed are the Peacemakers (in a Retaliatory World)

Series: God’s Plan for the Blessed Life

English Standard Version Chapter 5

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (

Peacemakers in a Conflict-Driven World

Bible Passage: Matthew 5:38–42

Summary: Jesus shocks His followers with a radical response to injustice. He urges His disciples to reject the Old Testament law of revenge and respond with generosity and kindness instead. Jesus’ teaching reframes the way we should view conflict. As Christ’s followers, we must move from self-defense and self-preservation to self-giving. Doing this will show God’s loving heart in a broken world and draw us closer to Christ.

Big Idea: Being a peacemaker means actively choosing love and forgiveness over conflict and revenge. which will show the love of Christ.

1. We must reject the idea of Retaliation.

Matthew 5:38

Explanation: Jesus challenges and overturns the Old Testament law of "an eye for an eye” found in Exodus 21:24 and Deuteronomy 19:21. He does this because, ultimate, the cycle of retaliation breeds more hatred and conflict. Christian kindness must transcend the straight-forward tit-for-tat retribution of the world.

Illustration: If everyone followed this practice legalistically, we would all be blind and toothless.

Application: Christ commands us to break the endless cycle of retaliation that characterize most human relationship and pursue peace. When we chose peace we reflect not only Christ’s character but demonstrate God's grace and our trust in Him.

2. We must extend Grace (turn the other cheek).

Matthew 5:39

Explanation: Jesus now teaches a directive to “turn the other check” that runs against everything that cultural and our own sin nature drive us to do. Jesus is suggesting that we surrender our desire for self-defense and self-promotion.

Application: We can start practicing the “turn the other cheek” mentality with our words. When insulted or criticized, we should hold our tongues, and not fight back. This requires a strength, fortitude, and humility that comes only the Holy Spirit. God seeks to transform our adversaries through acts of love, and a great place to start is with our words. This form of peacemaking also requires our deep trust in God’s divine justice to break the cycle of human hostility.

3. We must show Selfless giving.

Matthew 5:40

Explanation: Not only must disciples reject all forms of retaliation, but they must positively work for the good of those with whom they are at odds. In other words. Jesus commands us to offer more than what our enemies or oppressors ask. Done correctly and through the Holy Spirit’s power, these acts of generosity can disarm aggression and foster reconciliation.

Application: Augustine rightly noted, the text says, “give to everyone that asks,” not “give everything to him that asks.” We must give only that which will improve the situation and improve the inquisitors understanding of Christ’s love. If we display the love of Christ is this way, we can be a powerful witness to God’s kingdom values, where love triumphs over bitterness and bridges are built instead of conflict.

4. We must go the extra mile through Transformative serving.

Matthew 5:41

Explanation: We should practice going the extra mile daily. God has called us to put other people first and to serve those around us. If everyone went the extra mile, this world would be a much better place.

Application: Jesus is not saying that we should never right a wrong or stand against sin, or give to every beggar that approaches us, but that we should refrain from putting our rights and needs first, and look after the needs of other people.

We must learn their story, and try to understand why our enemies and prosecutors are treating us in a negative way. Then, when we go beyond what our enemies and oppressors demand, we can offer an example of turning oppressive situations into demonstrations of Christ-like kindness. These acts of service can transform relationships, encourage peace, and bear witness to Christ's love and servitude.

5. We must give generously to present an Undeniable witness.

Matthew 5:42

Explanation: As Christ’s followers, we must give freely without holding back. Christ’s call of generosity challenges us to reverse our human tendencies toward self-preservation and possessive ownership.

Application: Embrace a lifestyle that invites others to experience God’s miraculous provisions, allow Him to fight your battle for you, and link practical generosity with personal spiritual transformation.

Conclusion: This sermon teaches how embracing the role of peacemakers can lead to healing strained relationships, personal conflicts, and even global issues. By applying Jesus' teachings, Christians can become instruments of peace, breaking cycles of retaliation and extending grace to others, which can promote reconciliation and harmony.

Challenge: The teaching will highlight that true discipleship involves a commitment to peace over conflict, illustrating how Jesus intends His followers to live out their faith in practical, loving ways even when faced with hostility or injustice.

This passage points to Christ: Jesus is the embodiment of peace, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. By living out His teachings in Matthew 5:38–42, He is ultimate fulfillment of God's promise for peace. He expects us to follow His example and demonstrate how we can be peacemakers in the world of conflict.