The previous Beatitude is a pre-requisite to this one in that one will rely on the character that is developed and maintained through their ongoing relationship with Christ in order to have intentionality about living peacefully with other believers and others in general, because it is our first and natural response when things do not go our way or others think differently is to become angry and find ourselves in conflict. There is going to be conflict and even Jesus did not avoid conflict at all costs, but we will be happier when we have at least not contributed to there being unresolved conflict.
A peacemaker is NOT a doormat! However, there is no need to be so sensitive that we are offended by things that do not matter and prompt us to be in meaningless conflict. That gets us nowhere.
2 Tim 2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
A peacemaker is NOT aggressive, trying to humiliate and dominate to get their way!
Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
A peacemaker is one who will work to understand the other positions and negotiate agreements in an effort to provide a win-win for both/ all sides. Difficult task, yes, but that is one reason peacemakers will be called the children of God. Only when one is in right relationship with God will one be able to consistently manage that very difficult role.
“Peacemaker” is often viewed with a negative connotation. Aggressive people are often viewed with a negative connotation. People-pleasing behavior strives to win favor and fails to respect one’s thoughts, feelings and position in Christ. Domineering behavior strives to gets one’s way and fails to respect others’ thoughts, feelings and position in Christ. In both cases, the focus is on self. However, in the context of this Beatitude, a peacemaker is one intentionally striving for unity in Christ while respecting others and self. The focus is on Jesus.
Living at peace with God, others and self leads to happiness.
A peacemaker is NOT a doormat! However, there is no need to be so sensitive that we are offended by things that do not matter and prompt us to be in meaningless conflict. That gets us nowhere.
2 Tim 2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
A peacemaker is NOT aggressive, trying to humiliate and dominate to get their way!
Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
A peacemaker is one who will work to understand the other positions and negotiate agreements in an effort to provide a win-win for both/ all sides. Difficult task, yes, but that is one reason peacemakers will be called the children of God. Only when one is in right relationship with God will one be able to consistently manage that very difficult role.
“Peacemaker” is often viewed with a negative connotation. Aggressive people are often viewed with a negative connotation. People-pleasing behavior strives to win favor and fails to respect one’s thoughts, feelings and position in Christ. Domineering behavior strives to gets one’s way and fails to respect others’ thoughts, feelings and position in Christ. In both cases, the focus is on self. However, in the context of this Beatitude, a peacemaker is one intentionally striving for unity in Christ while respecting others and self. The focus is on Jesus.
Living at peace with God, others and self leads to happiness.
RSS Feed
