Blessed Are The Peacemakers - Matthew 5:9

Transformative Truth: 
Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.

1. God is the consummate Peacemaker.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2 NIV

2. God wants us to be conscientious peacemakers.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV

The Four G's of Peacemaking a. Glorify God. b. Get the log out of your eye. c. Gently restore. d. Go and Be Reconciled.

Glorify God: How can I please and honor God in this situation?

Get the log out of your own eye: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict?

The Seven A's of Confession Address everyone involved. Avoid If, But, and Maybe. Admit specifically. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the consequences. Alter your behavior. Ask for forgiveness (and allow time).

Gently restore: How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their contribution to this conflict?

The three qualifications of a good surgeon are requisite in a reprover: He should have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand: in short, he should be endued with wisdom, courage, and meekness [gentleness].

Go and be reconciled: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict?

"I will not dwell on this incident." "I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you." "I will not talk to others about this incident." "I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship."

Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.