Peacemaker vs. Peace Keeper

Peacemaker vs. Peacekeeper

(Matthew 5:9)

Yearly Theme:  “Peace is…”

Series Title:  “Perfect Peace”

January 24^th, 2021

Something to think about:

In the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says,

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)

When we talk about “peace,” it’s important to understand that there are three different types of people who deal with the subject of peace in different ways.  They are:  “peace-takers”, peace-fakers”, and “peace-makers”. 

We’ve all experienced these types of people before (or, maybe we have been these types of people before).  The fact of the matter is, each of these types of people live very different lives and leave very different effects on the world around them. 

For instance, peace-takers are bitter and resentful people who tear apart relationships and instigate trouble.  Another example of destructive behavior can be found in the peace-faker who loses all ground and reliability because they aren’t willing to take a stand on anything because they believe it’s more important to “keep the peace.”  However, peace-makers experience a deep satisfaction and joy that comes through reconciliation.  Peace-makers make kit a point to stand in the gap, point out the truth, extend grace, and give love unconditionally to all people.  Because of this, their lives are full because of the overflowing peace that passes all human understanding that comes from Christ who has reconciled them to God.

Key Point:  “Peace is made, not merely kept, it’s a product of a life lived in the Spirit of God.”

Let’s take a closer look at each of these today in more detail today:

• Peace- :

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!  (Proverbs 12:20, NLT)

• “Peace-takers” are always causing problems wherever they go.
• “Peace-takers” suck the life out of people and relationships.
• A “peace-taker’s” main motivation is self.

• Peace- :

“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.”  (Proverbs 10:10, NLT)

• “Peace-fakers” are always in “avoidance” mode.
• “Peace-fakers” lack the ability to maintain core values and morals.
• “Peace-fakers” always prefer peace over truth.

• Peace- :

“All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.”  (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, NLT)

• “Peace-makers” always function out of unconditional love and concern for others.
• “Peace-makers” are always about the business of reconciliation.
• “Peace-makers” are always at risk of rejection, sometimes even to the point of death.

Something to take home:

True peace took the form of death on a cross.  It took the death of Jesus to reconcile us to God.  And because of our access to this peace that passes all human understanding, we have a responsibility to be active participants in making peace wherever we go because of the ministry of reconciliation we have been given as followers of Christ. 

Christ was the ultimate peace-maker, and all those who follow him are to be peace-makers too.  And what is the result?...  We will have the distinguished honor of being called the children of God.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace!

                Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

                Where there is injury, pardon;

                Where there is doubt, faith;

                Where there is despair, hope;

                Where there is darkness, light;

                Where there is sadness, joy.

                Oh, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

                To be consoled, as to console;

                To be understood, as to understand;

                To be loved, as to love.

                For it is in giving that we receive;

                It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

                It is in dying that we are born to eternal life!

                                - Francis of Assisi