Order Of Service

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Introduction

Disagreements, feuds, and suspicion seem to be the order of the day, rather than the exception. Even the routine of daily life can lead a person to explode emotionally and spiritually. It seems as if our society always wants us to take sides, not only about the important issues, but also about the trivial issues. If you don’t choose a side, you are left isolated, and both of the opposing sides may attack you. When we are forced to take a side and express our choice publicly, it should be the side that Jesus has already taken, and it can be supported by Scripture.  Jesus taught principles that can still be applied to every situation.

In each of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, the word peace is found. It appears eighty-eight times.  The story of the good news of Jesus’ birth begins with the words as recorded in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  Near the conclusion of our Lord’s earthly ministry, His loving benediction, recorded in John 14:27 is, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” The Apostle Paul introduces each of his epistles with that familiar greeting, “Grace to you and peace.” God desires human instruments through whom this peace may be shared.

Many times, this beatitude is viewed in extreme opposites. Some people do not get involved in anything, when they could have been a positive force and calmed the situation or repaired the relationship. Others want to fix every problem and become meddlesome busybodies. They get into everybody’s business and make things worse. Still, others will achieve peace at any cost and compromise their principles and become living doormats. Peacemaking is not appeasement or cowardice. Paul does not contradict Jesus when in Romans 12:18 he said, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” In applying this beatitude, one really needs the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

To those who calm the troubled waters of humankind’s discord, Jesus promised joy and blessings. In fact, in our Scripture, Jesus said that peacemakers would be known as the children of God.

Exposition

1. The Promotion And Privilege Of A Peacemaker.

(Peacemakers Have Peace With God.)

(Peacemakers Have Peace With Themselves.)

2. The Purpose Of Peacemaking.

(The Purpose Of Peacemaking Is To Bring Reconciliation Between Us And God.)

(The Purpose Of Peacemaking Is To Bring Reconciliation Between Us And Others.)

(Think Of The Spiritual, Psychological, And Even The Financial Cost Of Hatred And Strife Among People And Nations.)

3. The Promise To The Peacemakers.

(They Will Have True Fulfillment.)

(The Father Will Be Proud Of Them Because They Resemble Him In So Many Ways.)

Closing Thoughts

I will close with the first section of the well-known prayer offered by St. Francis of Assisi.

“Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace;

That where there is hatred, I may bring love;

That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;

That where there is discord, I may bring harmony;

That where there is error, I may bring truth;

That where there is doubt, I may bring faith;

That where there is despair, I may bring hope;

That where there are shadows, I may bring light;

That were there is sadness, I may bring joy.”

This is the ultimate attitude of peacemakers. Remember, the beatitudes are the “blessed attitudes.”

Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!

End Note

Some theologians think the phrase, “shall be called the children of God,” alludes to a proud father whose child has so many of his visible physical attributes and features, that everyone who sees the child knows he is definitely the father. Paternity is indisputable. The child is the spitting image of the father, and the father has bragging rights.  I can personally relate. I love all three of my children, but everybody says Carmen is “just like me.” Some of my former coworkers said it is a miracle. Carmen is beautiful and looks just like me. How could that be, since I am not that attractive. That proves that God can do the impossible.    

Copyright © 2026 by James C. Ward