“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” – Matthew 5:9
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
“Doctrine” tells us what is right.
“Reproof” tells us what is wrong.
“Correction” tells us how to get back to what is right.
“Instruction in righteousness” tells us how to move forward in truth.
1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
I. Seek God’s
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
This prayer to God is helpful because He will give us the wisdom to navigate the conflict and give us His peace in the process.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
II. Take the
God’s Word makes it clear that when we are aware of a conflict we are to go to the other person.
Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Jesus literally says that the state of our relationships with others is so important that if we come with an offering to worship Him while we have an ongoing conflict, we should leave the service and go make peace.
III. Acknowledge Your
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Peacemakers learn that peace is not gained by placing blame. They start with themselves.
IV. Truly Care for the
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Resolving conflicts is not as much about hating conflict as it is loving the person with the conflict.
V. Speak the
When it comes time to speak, use words that build up rather than tear down.
Ephesians 4:15a But speaking the truth in love.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.