Peacemakers in a World of Conflict

Summary

War has been a tragic constant throughout human history, from ancient times to our present day. In the face of such violence, followers of Jesus are called to wrestle honestly with what it means to be peacemakers in a world that is anything but peaceful. The Scriptures present a complex and sometimes tension-filled picture: on one hand, God’s heart is clearly for peace, and His people are called to be agents of reconciliation, loving even their enemies and refusing to repay evil for evil. On the other hand, there are moments in the biblical story where God’s people are called to use force to restrain evil or protect the innocent, and even Jesus acknowledges the reality of living in a world where self-defense and the use of force may sometimes be necessary.

Throughout history, Christians have responded to war in different ways. Some have embraced pacifism, refusing to participate in violence under any circumstances, seeking to embody the cross-shaped love of Christ even when it seems impractical. Others have taken a more realist approach, recognizing that in a fallen world, force may be necessary to restrain evil and protect the vulnerable. Still others have tried to hold these tensions together in the “just war” tradition, which sets strict moral boundaries for when and how force can be used, always with the aim of restoring peace and protecting the innocent.

In the midst of these tensions, the call is not to simplistic answers or knee-jerk reactions, but to prayerful discernment, humility, and a deep reliance on God’s wisdom. When confronted with violence—whether in the headlines or in our own lives—our first response should be to pray for God’s perspective, rather than to judge or react out of fear or anger. We are called to trust God’s sovereignty, to guard our hearts against hatred, and to let Christ’s love shape our attitudes and actions, even toward those we might call enemies. Above all, our lives should point to Jesus, the true source of peace, rather than to our own political opinions or agendas. In a world desperate for hope, may we be agents of God’s peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Key Takeaways

- The call to be peacemakers is central to the Christian identity, but it is not a call to passivity or naïveté. True peacemaking requires courage, wisdom, and a willingness to step into the world’s brokenness, reflecting the love and reconciliation of Christ even when it is costly or misunderstood. [02:05]

- Scripture reveals a tension: while God’s heart is for peace and nonviolence, there are times when force is used to restrain evil or protect the innocent. This tension calls for humility and discernment, recognizing that simplistic answers rarely do justice to the complexity of real-world situations. [10:25]

- The “just war” tradition offers a framework for navigating this tension, insisting that any use of force must be for a just cause, declared by legitimate authority, with right intention, as a last resort, proportionate, and with discrimination to protect the innocent. Even then, the use of force is always a tragic concession to a fallen world, not something to be glorified. [23:47]

- Our first response to violence and conflict should be prayer, not judgment. Rather than reacting out of our own biases or fears, we are called to seek God’s wisdom, to pray for discernment, and to check our own hearts before forming opinions or taking sides. [29:18]

- Ultimately, the Christian’s witness in a violent world is to point to Jesus, not to political solutions. Our words, actions, and even our social media posts should reflect the heart of Christ—full of truth, but also overflowing with love, humility, and a longing for reconciliation. The world is watching, and it desperately needs to see a people who live differently, as agents of God’s peace and hope. [37:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - The Reality of War and the Christian Dilemma
[02:05] - God’s Heart for Peace in Scripture
[05:50] - Jesus’ Teachings on Nonviolence
[07:53] - The Bible’s Tension: Forceful Peace
[10:25] - God’s Use of Force in the Old Testament
[11:28] - Soldiers and Self-Defense in the New Testament
[13:03] - Jesus’ Instructions on Protection
[13:58] - Government, Authority, and the Sword
[14:50] - Spiritual Warfare and the Battle in Heaven
[17:16] - Christian Responses to War: Pacifism and Realism
[19:02] - The Power and Limits of Nonviolence
[20:15] - Dangers of Justifying War
[21:35] - The Just War Tradition Explained
[23:47] - Moral Criteria for Just War
[27:26] - The Challenge of True Peacemaking
[29:18] - The Christian Response: Prayer, Faith, and Love
[33:59] - Trusting God Amidst Chaos
[35:31] - Loving Enemies and Guarding Our Hearts
[36:22] - Pointing the World to Jesus
[37:39] - Living as Agents of Peace
[40:50] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Peacemaking in a Violent World

---

### Bible Reading

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

2. Romans 12:17-18 (ESV)
> “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

3. Ecclesiastes 3:8 (ESV)
> “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 5:9, what is the promise given to peacemakers?
2. In Romans 12:17-18, what does Paul say should be our response to evil, and what is the goal for our relationships with others?
3. The sermon describes a “tension” in Scripture between God’s call for peace and moments when force is used. What are some Old Testament examples given where God’s people are called to use force? [07:53]
4. How does Ecclesiastes 3:8 acknowledge the complexity of life when it comes to war and peace?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus call peacemakers “children of God”? What does this say about the character God wants to see in His people? [02:05]
2. The sermon mentions that being a peacemaker is not the same as being passive or naïve. What does true peacemaking require, according to the message? [02:05]
3. How does the “just war” tradition try to hold together the tension between peace and the use of force? What are the key criteria it uses to evaluate if a war is just? [23:47]
4. The sermon says our first response to violence should be prayer, not judgment. Why is this important, and what might happen if we skip this step? [29:18]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to pray for God’s wisdom before forming opinions about war or conflict. Think of a recent news story or conflict—how might your response change if you started with prayer instead of judgment? [29:18]
2. When you hear about violence or war, do you find yourself reacting out of fear, anger, or political bias? What would it look like for you to “check your heart” and seek God’s perspective first? [29:18]
3. The message calls us to be agents of peace, even when it’s costly or misunderstood. Is there a situation in your life right now—at work, home, or in your community—where you are being called to step in as a peacemaker? What would courage and wisdom look like in that situation? [02:05]
4. The “just war” tradition insists on protecting the innocent and using force only as a last resort. How might these principles shape your views on current events or your conversations with others? [23:47]
5. The sermon warns against letting hatred or bitterness take root, especially toward those we might see as “enemies.” Is there someone or a group you struggle to love? What is one practical step you can take this week to let Christ’s love shape your attitude or actions toward them? [35:31]
6. The message says our lives, words, and even social media posts should point to Jesus, not just our political opinions. Is there a recent conversation or post where you could have reflected Christ’s heart more clearly? What would you do differently next time? [36:22]
7. In a world desperate for hope, the sermon calls us to be agents of God’s peace, justice, and reconciliation. What is one specific way you can bring hope or reconciliation to someone in your circle this week? [37:39]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for wisdom, courage, and love to be true peacemakers in their families, communities, and the world. Pray for those affected by war and violence, and for God’s peace to reign.

Devotional

Day 1: Called to Be Peacemakers in a Violent World
Followers of Jesus are called to be peacemakers, not passive bystanders or agents of violence, but active participants in bringing God’s peace into a broken world. In a world filled with conflict, Christians are challenged to reflect the love and reconciliation of Christ, stepping into places of division and pain with a commitment to peace. This calling is not about ignoring evil or pretending violence does not exist, but about embodying the heart of God, who desires peace and transformation for all people. As children of God, our identity is rooted in being peacemakers, seeking to heal, restore, and point others to the hope found in Christ. [02:05]

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

Reflection: Who in your life or community is experiencing conflict or division, and how can you actively step in as a peacemaker this week, reflecting Christ’s love and reconciliation?


Day 2: Wrestling with the Tension: Peace and Force in Scripture
Scripture reveals a tension between God’s call to peace and the reality that, in a fallen world, force is sometimes used to restrain evil and protect the innocent. The Bible does not shy away from stories where God’s people are called to battle, yet it also consistently points to God’s ultimate desire for peace and justice. Christians are invited to wrestle honestly with this tension, recognizing that while violence may sometimes be necessary in a broken world, it is never to be glorified or pursued lightly. Instead, every action must be weighed with humility, discernment, and a longing for God’s peace to reign. [16:26]

Romans 13:4 (ESV)
"For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer."

Reflection: When you consider situations of injustice or violence, how do you discern when to advocate for peace and when to support protective action, and how can you seek God’s wisdom in these moments?


Day 3: Pray First, Judge Last
In the face of conflict, violence, or war—whether global or personal—our first response as Christians should be to pray for God’s wisdom and discernment, rather than rushing to judgment or aligning with our own biases. The complexities of real-world situations often go far beyond what we see or understand, and only God knows the full truth. By seeking God in prayer before forming opinions or taking sides, we open ourselves to His guidance, humility, and compassion, allowing Him to shape our hearts and responses in ways that honor Him and serve others. [29:18]

James 1:5 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: The next time you encounter a news story or personal conflict, will you pause to pray for God’s wisdom and understanding before forming an opinion or speaking out?


Day 4: Love Instead of Hate—Guarding Your Heart
Christ calls His followers to love even their enemies, guarding their hearts against bitterness, rage, and hatred, especially in times of conflict or when wronged. This radical love is not something we can muster on our own; it is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming us from within. As we surrender our anger and pain to God, He empowers us to respond with compassion, forgiveness, and a desire for reconciliation, reflecting the heart of Jesus even toward those who oppose or hurt us. [35:31]

Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Reflection: Is there someone you struggle to love or forgive? Ask God today to soften your heart and help you see them through His eyes.


Day 5: Point the World to Christ, Not Your Politics
In a world eager for answers and quick to divide along political lines, Christians are called to point others to the hope and peace found in Jesus, rather than simply promoting their own opinions or agendas. Our words, actions, and even social media posts should reflect the heart and truth of Christ, offering grace, justice, and love to a watching world. When we lead with the gospel and embody the character of Jesus, we become true agents of peace and hope, shining light in the darkness and drawing others to the only source of lasting peace. [37:39]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Before you speak, post, or act on a controversial issue, will you pause and ask if your response points others to Christ’s love and hope above all else?

Quotes

It is not our place to repay evil with either, but rather, we are to strive with our 100 % best to live at peace with everyone. The scriptures are clear. We are supposed to be people of peace. [00:07:07] (15 seconds)  #ForcefulPeaceParadox Edit Clip Translate Clip

On the other hand, I can tell you stories, and I won't take the time to, of how that nonviolent stance in the face of things has changed hearts and has been a phenomenal example of Jesus Christ. And some of the most evil people in the world were changed because they saw the nonviolent stature of God's people. [00:19:10] (20 seconds)  #ChristianRealismTruth Edit Clip Translate Clip

There is a view that's been around for a while called the just war tradition. It kind of tries to do a balance of these two. In other words, it is the thing where sometimes we have to use the means of the enemy, violence, in the midst of a fallen world to bring peace. Sometimes, in other words, it is if I have one person with a gun that's going to shoot 20 people, I can take out one person violently and save 20 lives rather than peacefully giving up 20 lives. [00:20:59] (36 seconds)  #PrayBeforeJudging Edit Clip Translate Clip

Stop pretending that you can watch a 60 seconds of a news organ is a clip and you know exactly what they should have done it's ridiculous you don't I don't and quite frankly a lot of times the poor people in that position don't many times they really are trying to do the best that they can and wrestle with this but we don't give them the time of day to to do that so we need to go before God and go God would you give me discernment rather than jumping praying check my heart so that's your first reaction pray rather than generally emotionally we need to move to faith rather than panic because a lot of times again we we jump to I want to protect I want to protect myself I want to protect what happens if they if we go to war what happens if and it's more about me and how it's gonna affect you know my 401k how it's gonna affect you my job how it's gonna affect my family rather than again okay God is in control God is in control do you trust God or not even in this chaos, do you trust God or not? [00:32:39] (72 seconds)  #PeacemakersInChrist Edit Clip Translate Clip

In your heart, we need to love instead of hate, and this is why the good news of Jesus is so important because this is not, let me repeat this. Christians, this is not possible for you and me. It is not possible for you and me. Only God can do this in us. We need his strength. We need his transformation. To do this. That's why I need the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ every single day as your pastor. Because this is not within me. [00:34:25] (33 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

But we need to guard our hearts with the Holy Spirit's help against bitterness and rage. And Christ's love should rule within us, especially for our enemies. It is God's role to judge. It is God's role for wrath. It is not mine. That doesn't mean I don't speak out in truth. I don't say what's right or wrong. But it means that in that, I guard my heart. And I say, God, would you help me love whoever the person on the other side is? If it's Israel, if it's Gaza, if it's Ukraine, if it's Russia, if it's ICE, whatever the case may be, ask God to change the bitterness and rage to love, whoever that may be. because that is Jesus's, that's his main motivation. [00:34:58] (59 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

And then lastly, in your actions, point the world to Jesus instead of your political opinion. Point the world. And by the way, oftentimes, especially among Christians, we couch our opinion in the Bible. But what we're really doing is supporting our politics. It actually doesn't reflect this tension. Because the interesting thing is Jesus usually brought grace to people that everybody spoke truth to, and he brought truth to people that always seem to get grace. He cut against the grain, almost in both directions. He has the harshest word for the religious, and he has some of the best loving words for the most terrible sinners of his day and time. [00:36:27] (46 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

But, above all, we need to remember that the only true source of peace is Jesus, of lasting peace. And our life witness needs to be the reality of Christ more than any political agenda. And whatever I write, whatever I say, should reflect that. Not just God's truth, but God's heart. [00:37:39] (23 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

``Brothers and sisters in christ the world is watching in times of violence people look for hope we should be peacemakers grounded in christ's love unafraid to speak out against injustice but quick to pray quick to love and quick to forgive if it is possible as far as it depends on us if it is possible we should live at peace with everyone the world needs followers of jesus who dare to live differently may we be those people agents of peace instruments of god's justice and bearers of his hope. [00:38:29] (38 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip