HOW TO BE A PEACEMAKER

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 (CSB)

Yesterday we spoke about being a peacemaker.  We said that a peacemaker KNOWS inward peace, BRINGS spiritual peace, and PURSUES social peace. And, in turn, Jesus is the One who KNOWS inward peace, BRINGS spiritual peace, and PURSUES social peace – and thus tasks us with the same responsibility as His citizens.

We also saw that the word shalom doesn’t mean the absence of turmoil, it means being restored and complete.  This brings true peace. So, how do we develop the attitude of being a peacemaker?

Consider Philippians 4: 5 – 9.

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Verse 5 reminds us that God is near.  This concept includes both space and time. He goes on in verses 6 and 7 to describe how to have Inward Peace. He says don’t be troubled – Don’t worry about anything. Ask, seek, and thank God. Then we find that the Peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. Even Paul admits that this is beyond our understanding. God’s peace brings inward restoration and completeness (shalom).

When he speaks about Spiritual Peace in verse 8, he provides us a very comprehensive list of what to focus – things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, and praiseworthy. He challenges us to Meditate on these things – the root of this word is Logos – or concept – to make a part of your thoughts. Spending time focusing on these 8 things brings about a restoration of our spirit and moves us into being made complete in God.

He ends this by speaking about Social Peace in verse 9. He challenged the Philippians by this reminder – what you have learned, received, heard and saw – DO!

What do we see Jesus doing?  What do we see Paul doing? Then DO it. Doing what God has modeled for us in His word gives the world restoration and completeness.

Finally, today, consider that Isaiah wrote: “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3)

God keeps us in the state of peace.

Perfect peace.

When we focus upon -------- Him.

It is based on trusting God.