Embodying God's Peace: The Call to True Peacemaking

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” This call to make peace is not a passive suggestion, but a radical invitation to embody God’s character in a world riddled with violence, division, and unrest. Throughout history, from the turmoil of the 1970s to our present day, the forces of evil have sought to engulf hearts and destroy minds, leaving many wandering in confusion and despair. Yet, the call remains: make peace.

Peacemaking is not simply the absence of conflict, nor is it achieved by force or coercion. True peace cannot be built on the suffering or silencing of others. The Roman emperors of Jesus’ day called themselves peacemakers, but their peace was maintained through oppression and violence. In contrast, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, demonstrated that real peacemaking requires sacrifice, empathy, and a willingness to reconcile adversaries. It means striving for harmony in our homes, communities, and even in the halls of government, without robbing others of their dignity or freedom.

This vision of peacemaking is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, as seen in the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for a beloved community grounded in justice, equality, and reconciliation. King’s commitment to nonviolence and the separation of church and state was not a retreat from moral responsibility, but a recognition that faith must persuade hearts, not coerce them. Genuine faith cannot be compelled by law or force; it must be chosen freely.

Peacemaking also demands that we confront uncomfortable truths. Ignorance may feel like peace, but it is fleeting and fragile. Real peace requires honest conversations, even when they make us uncomfortable. It means choosing long-term healing over short-term happiness, and being willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of reconciliation and justice.

Ultimately, peacemaking is modeled by Christ himself, who left the comfort of heaven to reconcile us to God. He calls us not only to receive his peace, but to extend it to others—even to those who oppose us. When our ways please the Lord, even our enemies can be at peace with us. The peace of God surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts and minds, and empowering us to make peace in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Peacemaking is an active, sacrificial pursuit that mirrors the character of God. It is not about avoiding conflict or maintaining a superficial calm, but about stepping into difficult situations with a commitment to reconciliation and justice, even when it costs us our comfort or happiness. [07:51]
• 2. True peace cannot be achieved by force, coercion, or at the expense of others’ freedom. When our sense of peace depends on dominating or silencing others, we become “peacetakers” rather than peacemakers. God’s peace respects the dignity and agency of every person, inviting us to persuade rather than compel. [10:52]
• 3. The separation of church and state is not a retreat from moral engagement, but a safeguard for genuine faith. The church’s role is to proclaim the gospel and disciple believers, holding government accountable to justice for all, while never seeking to wield political power to enforce faith. This protects the freedom of conscience and the integrity of both church and state. [17:25]
• 4. Peacemakers are willing to confront uncomfortable truths and have difficult conversations for the sake of healing, not just winning arguments. Ignorance may feel peaceful, but it is a fragile illusion. Real peace is built on truth, honesty, and the courage to address what is broken, even when it is uncomfortable. [22:16]
• 5. The peace that Christ offers surpasses understanding and is not dependent on circumstances. It empowers us to endure hardship, forgive enemies, and pursue reconciliation, even when it means sacrificing temporary happiness for lasting healing. This peace is both a gift to receive and a calling to extend to others. [28:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:58] - The World’s Need for Peace
• [03:29] - Historical Context: 1972 and Social Unrest
• [07:51] - What Is a Peacemaker?
• [10:52] - False Peacemakers vs. True Peacemakers
• [12:57] - Dr. King, Faith, and the Separation of Church and State
• [17:25] - Freedom of Conscience and Baptist Distinctives
• [21:34] - Comparing Philosophies: King and Kirk
• [22:16] - The Cost of Telling Uncomfortable Truths
• [23:08] - The Danger of Ignorance and Shallow Peace
• [25:02] - Peacemaking and Environmental Stewardship
• [26:46] - Temporary Happiness vs. Long-Term Peace
• [28:43] - Jesus’ Radical Call to Peacemaking
• [31:25] - Healing vs. Winning: The True Goal
• [36:37] - Receiving and Extending God’s Peace

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) — > “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Proverbs 16:7 (ESV) — > “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) — > “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 5:9, what does Jesus say is the reward for peacemakers?
2. According to the sermon, how did the Roman emperors of Jesus’ day claim to make peace, and how was this different from Jesus’ way? [[10:52]]
3. What does Proverbs 16:7 say happens when a person’s ways please the Lord?
4. In Philippians 4:6-7, what does Paul say will guard our hearts and minds, and how do we receive it?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus call peacemaking a blessing, and what does it mean to be called a “child of God” in this context? [[07:51]]
2. The sermon says that “true peace cannot be achieved by force, coercion, or at the expense of others’ freedom.” Why is this distinction important for Christians today? [[10:52]]
3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between “peacemakers” and “peacetakers”? How can someone tell which one they are? [[10:52]]
4. The sermon mentions that peacemaking often requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Why is this necessary for real peace, and what might happen if we avoid these conversations? [[22:16]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to make peace even when it costs us our comfort or happiness. Can you think of a recent situation where you chose comfort over peacemaking? What would it look like to choose differently next time? [[26:46]]
2. Are there relationships in your life—at home, work, or church—where you have avoided difficult conversations for the sake of “keeping the peace”? What is one step you could take this week to move toward real reconciliation? [[22:16]]
3. The sermon says that “ignorance may feel peaceful, but it is a fragile illusion.” Is there a truth you’ve been avoiding because it’s uncomfortable? How might facing it lead to deeper peace? [[23:08]]
4. Dr. King’s example was to persuade hearts, not to coerce them. In your own life, how do you respond when others disagree with you—do you try to win the argument, or do you seek healing and understanding? [[31:25]]
5. The sermon talks about sacrificing temporary happiness for long-term peace, especially in parenting or serving others. Where in your life are you being called to make a sacrifice for the sake of lasting peace? [[26:46]]
6. Jesus modeled peacemaking by leaving his comfort and reconciling us to God. Is there someone you need to forgive or reach out to, even if they have hurt you? What is holding you back? [[31:25]]
7. Philippians 4:6-7 says God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. What is one area of anxiety or unrest in your life right now? How can you bring it to God in prayer this week? [[28:43]]