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

“Let there be peace on Earth...let it begin with me”

This past Sunday, Pastor Curtis continued through the Beatitudes and covered the relationship (or cause and effect) between peacemakers and being called sons of God in Matthew 5:9.   

From Judges 6:23-24, Pastor Curtis describes peace (”shalom”) as a complete, fulfillment with God in our heart, a pure life and relationship with Jesus in our own heart.  Pastor Curtis also highlighted the difference between “peacemaker” and “peacekeeper”.

What is the difference between a “peacemaker” and “peacekeeper”?

What is the source of peace? How can we get peace? 

Pastor Curtis describes and highlights the attributes of being a peacemaker which may require the following in our personal interactions:

Confrontation

Bringing up and discussing difficult topics or subjects

Honesty

Admitting our own failures and shortcomings

Not being quarrelsome, defensive, harsh, mean, vengeful

What are risks of being a peacemaker as described above?

Why is it difficult to be a peacemaker, as described above, in our respective circles (e.g. family, relationships, friends, work, church, society in general)?

The effect (or reward) of being a peacemaker is to be called a son (or daughter or child) of God.  From Galatians 3:26, we are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  Being, or the pursuit of being, a peacemaker is one of many ways and extensions of our belief and faith in Jesus Christ.

Read Matthew 5:43-47.  From this passage, what should we do to be “children of our Father in heaven” in v.45?  

Why is that significant given v.46-47?

Questions for Personal Application

Did the study of this Beatitude change your initial thoughts and perceptions of “peacemakers”?

How can you be a peacemaker among your respective circles?