Christian Living

Making Peace in the Midst of Conflict

VBC Albuquerque · Mar 29, 2025

Matthew 5:9Hebrews 13:20Isaiah 9:6Numbers 6:24-26Romans 16:17-18Psalm 133:1Ephesians 4:29-312 Corinthians 12:20Psalm 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 2:14-17Psalm 34:14Romans 14:19Ephesians 4:31 Thessalonians 5:13Ephesians 6:152 Corinthians 5:18Matthew 7:3-5Proverbs 28:13Luke 19:8Colossians 3:5-141 John 1:8-9Proverbs 19:11Matthew 18:15-201 Corinthians 6:1-8Galatians 6:1-22 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 4:19Romans 8:28-291 Corinthians 10:31-11:1James 1:2-4Luke 6:27-36Galatians 5:19-26Psalm 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 2:12Ephesians 2:32 Thessalonians 3:16

This sermon explores the meaning of the eighth beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9) regarding peacemakers. The speaker distinguishes three types of people: peace breakers, peace fakers, and peacemakers. The sermon emphasizes that peace must be actively pursued and created, not merely the absence of conflict, and that peacemakers will be recognized as children of God.

The first section presents the widespread problem of conflict in society, the Church, and personal relationships. The speaker uses humorous and illustrative stories to show that conflict exists everywhere, from large corporations to small churches, and even groups advocating for peace cannot escape it. The speaker introduces Matthew 5:9 as a blessing from Jesus for peacemakers, emphasizing that this is not an optional suggestion but an essential description of a disciple of Christ.

The second section develops the theology of peace by exploring the Hebrew word "shalom" in the Old Testament, signifying wholeness and harmony in all relationships, not merely the absence of conflict. The speaker introduces three types of people: peace breakers (those who cause division), peace fakers (those who avoid conflict through silence rather than resolution), and peacemakers (those who actively build and maintain peace). The speaker cites powerful Scripture passages such as Romans 16:17-18 and Ephesians 4:29-31 to show that our speech and behavior directly impact peace or conflict in the Church.

The third section lists twelve biblical principles about peace, including that peace must be pursued (Psalm 34:14, Romans 14:19), may be lonely when others love conflict (Psalm 120:6-7), must be prayed for (Psalm 122:6-8), and brings joy to those who promote it (Proverbs 12:20). The speaker emphasizes that Jesus Himself is the model of peace and died to create peace for us (Ephesians 2:14-17). The speaker also presents two rewards for peacemakers: they are blessed by God, and they are formally recognized as children of God, possessing a special family relationship with the Almighty.

The fourth section provides four specific action steps: first, ensure that you are reconciled with God (you must surrender, "lay down your sword"); second, lead others to reconciliation with God through a ministry of reconciliation; third, be at peace with those around you through forgiveness and asking for forgiveness; fourth, help others who are in conflict by building bridges. The speaker emphasizes that peacemakers "defuse tension" rather than "intensify" it.

The final section presents the "Peacemaker's Pledge"—a formal commitment adapted from Ken Sande's work. This commitment includes four principles: honor God by relying on His grace; take responsibility for your own contribution to conflict; instead of pretending or speaking ill behind backs, speak privately and gently; and actively pursue true peace and reconciliation. The speaker concludes with the story of Telemachus, a fourth-century monk who sacrificed his life to stop gladiatorial games, illustrating how commitment to peace can change the world, just as Jesus died to create eternal peace.