Matthew 5:9
- The Importance of Being a Peacemaker
. It DOES NOT mean: a ‘peaceful’ person, a ‘tolerant’ person, A ‘peace at any price’ appeaser
. This leads to a false peace – Jeremiah 6:14, Ezekiel 13:10-11
. It does mean:
. True peacemakers are not afraid to make waves and resolve issues
. Being willing to have hard conversations
. Wanting not just an absence of conflict, but a true reconciliation
. They deal with sin – James 3:13-4:1
. A. It Reflects the Nature of God
. Matthew 5:43-45, Romans 15:33, 16:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Ephesians 2:13-17,
. Colossians 1:19-20
. Christ is the Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
, It will not be easy, peacemaking is costly – Matthew 10:34
. B. It Avoids the Works of the Flesh – Proverbs 6:19, Galatians 5:19-20
. C. It Overcomes the Hurt of Offenses
. With an unbeliever – Being an evangelist and sharing the Gospel
. With a believer – Can not write off the relationship
. Romans 14:19, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:2, Romans 12:18
. Caveats:
. 1. Don’t sacrifice the truth to the search for peace – “As much as depends on you”
. 2. It may not be possible, but you should have done all you can – “If possible” - The Blessing of Being a peacemaker: Matthew 5:9 – Sons of God