The Greatest Sermon Ever | Peacemakers

In Southern California, a church dedicated just a year ago has become one of the fastest growing families in the world. This remarkable growth is attributed to the faithfulness of the men and women of God, as well as the families of God, who made the dedication possible. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of being a peace maker, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of this thriving church.

In a recent article on CNN, John Sutter discussed the vital distinction between being a peace maker and a pacifist. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the misconception that being a peace maker means being passive. Sutter emphasizes that the power of peace making lies in taking proactive steps to promote peace in our lives and in the world.

Contrary to popular belief, being a peace maker does not mean avoiding conflicts altogether or remaining silent in the face of oppression. Rather, it entails actively seeking peaceful resolutions, promoting understanding, and fostering harmony in all aspects of life.

Peace making involves a proactive mindset. It requires us to go beyond passive acceptance and instead take deliberate actions that contribute to peaceful outcomes. This means actively listening to others, seeking common ground, and working towards solutions that address the root causes of conflict.

It's important to remember that peace making is not limited to large-scale conflicts or global issues. It starts at an individual level, within our families, friendships, and communities. By being proactive peace makers in our everyday lives, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings.

The pastor's message resonates with Sutter's discussion, urging individuals to be women and men of peace in their relationships. This concept goes beyond simply avoiding arguments or disagreements; it's about actively cultivating healthy and harmonious connections.

Being a woman or a man of peace means choosing to respond with understanding, empathy, and compassion. It means practicing forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and seeking reconciliation whenever possible. By prioritizing peace over conflict, we create an environment that fosters growth, love, and understanding.

We live in a world that often seems chaotic and divided. However, as individuals, we have the power to bring peace to our corner of the world. By embodying the qualities of a peace maker, we can create positive change and impact those around us.

The path of peace making is not always easy. It requires us to confront our own biases, challenge our assumptions, and step out of our comfort zones. It requires us to listen with an open heart and be willing to learn from those with different perspectives.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that even small acts of peace making can make a significant difference. Whether it's resolving a conflict with a loved one, standing up against injustice, or promoting understanding in our communities, every effort towards peace matters.

Being a peace maker involves taking proactive steps to promote peace, rather than remaining passive or avoiding conflicts altogether. It requires embracing the qualities of understanding, empathy, and compassion. By embodying these qualities and actively seeking peaceful resolutions, we have the power to create a more harmonious and peaceful world.

Jesus: The Ultimate Peace Maker
Jesus is often described as the ultimate peace maker, someone who not only brings peace to others but also embodies spiritual and mental peace himself. In the midst of difficult situations and even when facing personal turmoil, Jesus remained calm and composed, offering a sense of serenity to those around him.

His teachings and example provide clarity and guidance, leading individuals towards a life of peace and harmony. Jesus emphasized the importance of emotional well-being and encouraged his followers to grow emotionally, recognizing that what is true physically is also true emotionally.
It is undeniable that life can be filled with challenges, stress, and anxiety. The uncertainties and complexities of the world can easily disrupt our inner peace. However, Jesus offers a different perspective. He reminds us that peace is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather it is an inner state of being that can be cultivated and nurtured.

One of the key teachings of Jesus is the command to love one another. Love, he believed, has the power to heal wounds, reconcile relationships, and bring about peace. By showing love and compassion towards one another, we can create a harmonious and peaceful society.
Jesus also taught the importance of forgiveness. He recognized that holding onto grudges and resentment only creates inner turmoil and hinders our ability to experience true peace. Through forgiveness, we release the negative emotions that weigh us down and open ourselves up to healing and reconciliation.

Moreover, Jesus emphasized the significance of living in the present moment. He encouraged his followers to let go of anxieties about the future and regrets about the past, and instead focus on the here and now. By practicing mindfulness and being fully present in the current moment, we can let go of worries and find peace in the present.

Jesus himself faced numerous challenges and moments of intense emotional turmoil. He experienced betrayal, rejection, and even moments of doubt. However, during these times, he did not succumb to despair. Instead, he turned to prayer, seeking solace and guidance from his heavenly Father. This highlights the importance of seeking inner peace through spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation.

The teachings of Jesus have a timeless and universal relevance. They provide wisdom and guidance for those seeking peace in their lives, regardless of their religious beliefs. The principles of love, forgiveness, mindfulness, and spiritual connection can be embraced by individuals from all walks of life.

In a world filled with chaos and conflict, the message of Jesus as the ultimate peace maker resonates deeply. His example serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that peace is not just a fleeting moment, but a state of being that we can nurture and cultivate in our own lives.

May we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, embodying the principles of love, forgiveness, mindfulness, and spiritual connection. As we do so, we can experience the peace that transcends understanding and become instruments of peace in our own communities and beyond.

Peace is a powerful and transformative message that has the potential to change lives and heal relationships. However, not everyone will be receptive to this message. There are individuals who, for various reasons, choose to persecute those who promote peace.

In the face of persecution, it can be tempting to give up and abandon the pursuit of peace. Yet, the pastor urges the congregation to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, reminding them of the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus himself faced persecution during his time on earth. His message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation was met with resistance and hostility from those who were threatened by his words. Despite the opposition, Jesus did not waver in his mission to bring peace to the world. He sacrificed his own life to fulfill his purpose.

In a world filled with divisive rhetoric and conflicts, it can be tempting to engage in arguments and post inflammatory content on social media platforms. However, the pastor encourages the congregation to refrain from such behaviors. Instead, he advises them to think before they speak or post and consider whether their words align with the teachings of Jesus.

By choosing to be mindful of their words and actions, the congregation can demonstrate the transformative power of peace. Rather than succumbing to the negativity and hostility around them, they can choose to promote understanding, reconciliation, and compassion.

While this may not always be an easy path, it is a path worth taking. The pastor emphasizes that the gospel of peace is worth sacrificing one's life for.

Sacrifice is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus. He calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. The path of peace often requires personal sacrifice.

As the pastor reminds the congregation, this sacrifice may not always be physical. It can involve letting go of personal pride, refraining from engaging in arguments, and choosing forgiveness over revenge.

Additionally, the pursuit of peace may require individuals to step out of their comfort zones and advocate for justice and equality. It may involve speaking up for the marginalized and oppressed, even when it is unpopular or met with adversity.

The message of peace is not a passive one. It requires action, commitment, and a willingness to endure persecution. Yet, the pastor reassures the congregation that the rewards of pursuing peace far outweigh the costs.

Living as people of peace may bring challenges in relationships, particularly for those who have faith in Jesus. In a world where conflict and division are prevalent, it can be difficult to maintain peace in our interactions with others. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard.

As the pastor of this community, I want to encourage both men and women to stand up and be strong in their faith as children of the king. By doing so, we can navigate these challenges with grace and continue to promote peace in our lives.

It's important to acknowledge the challenges that may arise when living as people of peace. Our commitment to peace may sometimes clash with the values and behaviors of those around us. We may face criticism, misunderstanding, or even hostility from others who do not share our beliefs.

In our relationships, we might find that conflict arises when we choose to respond with love and forgiveness instead of aggression or retaliation. It takes strength to resist the temptations of anger and pride, and to respond with patience and understanding.

One of the key sources of strength in facing these challenges is our faith. As children of the king, we can find confidence and security in our identity as followers of Jesus. Our faith reminds us that we are deeply loved and accepted by God, regardless of our circumstances or the opinions of others.

When we stand firm in our faith, we can rise above the challenges we face and approach them with grace and humility. We can trust that God is with us in every situation, guiding us and providing the strength we need to navigate the difficulties that come our way.

Living as people of peace means that we actively seek to promote peace in our relationships. This requires a commitment to practicing grace and forgiveness. Instead of holding grudges or seeking revenge, we choose to extend love and understanding to those who hurt or offend us.
In our interactions with others, we can strive to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation. This may involve listening with empathy, seeking common ground, and finding ways to bridge divides. By doing so, we can contribute to building a more peaceful and harmonious world.

In facing the challenges of living as people of peace, it is important to remember that we are not alone. We are part of a community of believers who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability. We can lean on one another for strength and wisdom when faced with difficult situations.

It's essential to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who share our commitment to live as people of peace. Together, we can inspire and challenge one another to stay strong in our faith, even when faced with adversity.

Additionally, we can find strength and encouragement through prayer and studying God's word. Spending time with God in prayer and immersing ourselves in His teachings can help us to grow in our faith and equip us to face the challenges that come our way.

Living as people of peace is not always easy. Challenges may arise, and relationships may be strained. But as followers of Jesus, we have the strength and support to navigate these challenges with grace.

Let us remember that our faith in Jesus empowers us to respond with love, forgiveness, and peace, even in the face of adversity. By standing firm in our faith, practicing grace and peace, and supporting one another, we can overcome these challenges and continue to promote peace in our lives.

May we find the strength and courage to be people of peace, reflecting the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father in all that we do.