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Blessed Are the Peacemakers

BEATITUDES – Part 7

November 16, 2025



Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9



The Idea of Peace

 

   Blessed are the peacemakers

   Matthew 5:9a

 

   18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God

   was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the

   message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 

   We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

   2 Corinthians 5:18-20

 



A New Heart


   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

   2 Corinthians 5:17




The Natural Thing


   43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

   44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

   45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

   Matthew 5:43-45a      





Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of November 16, 2025.


Opening


   Who is someone that comes to mind when you think of a peacemaker? Why?



Digging Deeper into the Scriptures


   Read Matthew 5:9

   1. What does it mean to be called a child of God?

 

   Read Romans 12:18

   2. How does Matthew 5:9 connect with Romans 12:18 about living peaceably?

 

   Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

   3. A peacemaker strives primarily to bring people into reconciliation with God and secondarily into

       reconciliation with one another.


       What makes this ministry so difficult? Why do so many choose to not participate in it?


   4. How does being a peacemaker reflect your identity as a "child of God"?


       What characteristics of God are you called to emulate in the role of a

       (a) child of God?

       (b) peacemaker?



Applying the Scriptures


   1. As children of God, in what ways can we support and encourage each other to be peacemakers within

       the congregation and the broader community?


   2. How can this teaching about being a peacemaker guide your interactions with others in times of

       conflict?