Christian Living

Making Peace in the Midst of Conflict

Pastor Tan Thai · Mar 1, 2025

Matthew 5:9Numbers 6:24-26Psalm 133:1Ephesians 4:29-312 Corinthians 12:20Ephesians 4:25Psalm 34:14Romans 14:19Ephesians 4:31 Thessalonians 5:13Psalm 120:6-7Psalm 122:6-8Proverbs 12:20Proverbs 16:7Isaiah 52:7John 14:27Acts 9:31Romans 12:181 Corinthians 7:152 Corinthians 13:11Colossians 3:15James 3:18Ephesians 2:14-17Romans 16:17-18Ephesians 6:152 Corinthians 5:18Psalm 37:1-6Mark 11:25John 14:15Romans 12:17-211 Corinthians 10:31Philippians 4:2-9Colossians 3:1-4James 3:17-18James 4:1-31 Peter 2:12Proverbs 28:13Matthew 7:3-5Luke 19:8Colossians 3:5-141 John 1:8-9Proverbs 19:11Matthew 18:15-201 Corinthians 6:1-8Galatians 6:1-2Ephesians 4:292 Timothy 2:24-26James 5:9Matthew 5:23-24Matthew 6:12Matthew 7:12Ephesians 4:1-3Ephesians 4:32Philippians 2:3-4Matthew 25:14-21John 13:34-351 Peter 2:191 Peter 4:19Ephesians 2:3Luke 6:27-36Galatians 5:19-26Romans 8:28-291 Corinthians 10:31-11:1James 1:2-4Hebrews 13:20Isaiah 9:62 Thessalonians 3:16

This sermon on Matthew 5:9 explores the nature of peacemakers in the kingdom of God. Pastor Brian Bill explains that biblical peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and harmony (shalom). The sermon identifies three types of people—peacebreakers, peacefakers, and peacemakers—and presents four practical action steps for pursuing peace in our relationships and communities.

The sermon opens by recognizing that conflict is pervasive in modern society, from personal relationships to international wars. Pastor Bill emphasizes that this problem is not new—it began when Adam and Eve sinned, continued through the conflict between Cain and Abel, and persists to this day. In the midst of continuous conflict, Jesus speaks stunning words in Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." The sermon stresses that the Beatitudes are not optional ideas but essential characteristics of Christ's disciples.

The sermon then explains that biblical peace is not the absence of activity, hostility, or reality, but the presence of something good—wholeness and harmony. The Hebrew word "shalom" describes a state of physical and spiritual wellbeing, a wish for outward freedom from disturbance combined with an inward sense of wellbeing. Pastor Bill cites Numbers 6:24-26, where God teaches Moses how to bless His people, always ending with "give you peace." The sermon notes that Scripture mentions the word "peace" over 400 times, and many of Paul's letters begin with a greeting of peace.

The sermon identifies three types of people regarding peace. First, peacebreakers create conflict and division in the church through slander, reckless speech, and unwise use of the tongue. Paul warns about such people in Romans 16:17-18 and 2 Corinthians 12:20. Second, peacefakers attempt to maintain peace by avoiding conflict, but this only allows tension to simmer beneath the surface and erupt later. Third, peacemakers actively create peace where there are problems, accepting the difficulties and involvement this requires. Pastor Bill emphasizes that the Greek word for "do" or "create" in this context means peace must be made actively because it never happens naturally.

The sermon presents twelve biblical principles about peace, including: peace must be pursued (Psalm 34:14, Romans 14:19), peacemakers may feel lonely (Psalm 120:6-7), we must pray for peace (Psalm 122:6-8), peace promoters find joy (Proverbs 12:20), and Christ is the model for peace (Ephesians 2:14-17). Two rewards for peacemakers are emphasized: first, God approves those who do what it takes to make peace, and second, they are called "sons of God," meaning they are officially designated as having a family relationship with the Father and bearing His character.

The sermon concludes with four action steps: first, ensure you are at peace with God through faith in Christ; second, lead others to peace with God; third, be at peace with those around you; and fourth, help others in conflict. Pastor Bill presents "The Peacemaker's Pledge," adapted from Ken Sande's book, comprising four principles: Glorify God, Get the Log out of Your Own Eye, Gently Restore, and Go and be reconciled. The sermon ends with the story of Telemachus, a fourth-century monk who sacrificed his life opposing violence, exemplifying our willingness to do what it takes to make peace because Christ sacrificed for us.