The Beautiful Attitudes – Part VII: Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NET)

We have often confused peacemaking with peacekeeping. What we typically think is that peacemakers are those that take one for the team. Furthermore, if we have been hurt, we misguidedly think of pursuing peace as remaining quiet, not speaking the truth, or only sharing part of the truth. We equate being passive with peacemaking. We withhold and bend the truth, not speaking how we really feel. We may be thinking that we are doing what is best for the team or relationship. However, peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of mercy and justice. True peace produces a relationship that brings even enemies together (Proverbs 16:7). Realize fighting can be stopped without mercy and justice; however, you cannot live peaceably without them. 

There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven things that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who spreads discord among family members. (Proverbs 6:16–19 NET)

Peacemakers do not keep their mouths shut when they see improper behavior. Rather they are the ones who are willing to expose wrong conduct. Peacemakers see a problem and immediately go to work to correct, reconcile and restore. Peacemakers boldly confront, independent of the personal cost to themselves, to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth even as it is in Heaven. That is, they go into the thick of the battle to resolve the conflict (Matthew 11:12. Revelations 12:11). Nevertheless, they remember that our fight is not against people but the spiritual forces behind them (Ephesians 6:12).  Peacemakers have their eyes set beyond the problem to provide solutions. They implement long-lasting solutions. Jesus knew that the way to establish His Kingdom, which includes peace, was to attack boldly the godless powers that were ruling.  Jesus was not a peacekeeper but rather a peacemaker! (Matthew 10:34) However, peacemakers are often accused of being unloving, judgmental, troublemakers, legalistic, or intolerant when they do this. When a peacemaker points out improper behavior, they are all too often vilified, and the guilty party is released from all accountability for their behavior. Remember, Jesus’ only crime was telling the world Truth (John 18:37), and we conspired to murder Him (1) for it! (Mark 3:6) Nevertheless, peacemakers continue to confront injustice with truth-filled grace, mercy, and compassion even if it costs them their reputation, career, or life (Luke 9:24. Acts 21:13. Romans 8:18,19).

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose

Jim Elliot

A peacekeeper (i.e., a peace-faker) always guides conversations away from the subjects that might cause strife. Peacekeepers are compromisers. They avoid confrontation at all costs to maintain a sense of security, albeit false. They are the inventors of the “Do not make waves rule.” They are experts at changing the subject, preventing arguments, and misdirecting the conversation. Peacekeepers do not care if the problem gets resolved. They just want it to not affect them. The peace achieved by a peacekeeper is a fake, pretend peace or momentary peace. This peace is outward, external, and incapable of changing anyone’s heart or mind. The result of the “Do not make waves rule” actually allows wrong to continue. It keeps dysfunctional teams or families in dysfunctional cycles. Sometimes we ignore things hoping they will go away.  Remember, what we do not confront will not change!

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing 

Edmond Burke

Peacemakers are confrontational but confrontational in a loving way (Ephesians 4:15. James 3:18). Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is compromised. Confrontations can lead to conflict; however, conflict can be the doorway to getting to know one another better if handled correctly. Conflict can be defined as a difference in opinion or a purpose that frustrates someone’s goals or desires. Many of these differences are not inherently right or wrong; they are simply the result of God-given diversity and personal preferences (1 Corinthians 12:21-31). When handled properly, disagreement in these areas can stimulate productive dialog, encourage creativity, promote helpful change, and generally make life more interesting. Consequently, although we should seek unity in our relationships, we should not demand uniformity (Ephesians 4:1-13). Instead of avoiding all conflicts (i.e., peace-faking) or demanding that others always agree with us (i.e., peace-breaking), we should rejoice in the diversity of God’s creation and learn to accept and work with people who simply see things differently than we do (Romans 15:7, Romans 14:1-13) (2).

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There are three basic ways that people respond to conflict. These responses may be arranged on a curve that resembles a hill. On the left slope of the hill, we find the escape responses to conflict. The right side is shown the attack responses. And in the center, we find the peacemaking responses. Moving from left to right on the curve also involves moving from private to public and voluntary to forced solutions (2).

Escape Responses

The three responses on the slippery slope’s left side are called the escape responses. People tend to use these responses when they are more interested in avoiding conflict than resolving it. These responses create an illusion of peace (i.e., peace-faking) and not the reality of peace (2).

Denial – One way to escape a conflict is to pretend it does not exist. Or, if we cannot deny that the problem exists, we simply refuse to do what should be done to resolve a conflict properly. These responses only bring temporary relief and usually worsen matters (Genesis 16:1-6; 1 Samuel 2:22-25) (2).

Flight – Another way to escape from a conflict is to run away. This may include leaving the house, ending a friendship, quitting a job, filing for divorce, or changing churches. In most cases, running away only postpones a proper solution to a problem (Genesis 16:6-8), so flight is usually a harmful way to deal with conflict. Of course, there may be times when it is appropriate to respectfully withdraw from a confusing or emotional situation temporarily to calm down, organize your thoughts, and pray. Flight may also be a legitimate response in seriously threatening circumstances, such as physical or sexual abuse (1 Samuel 19:9,10). If a family is involved in such a situation, however, every reasonable effort should still be made to find trustworthy assistance and come back to seek a lasting solution to the problem (2).

Suicide – When people lose all hope of resolving a conflict, they may seek to escape the situation (or make a desperate cry for help) by attempting to take their own lives (see 1 Samuel 31:4). Suicide is never the right way to deal with conflict. Suicide is a permanent non-solution to a temporary problem. Tragically, however, suicide has become the third leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States, partly because so many children have never learned how to deal with conflict constructively (2).

Attack Responses

The three responses on the slippery slope’s right side are called the attack responses. These responses are used by people who are more interested in winning a conflict than in preserving a relationship. This attitude is seen in people who view conflict as a contest or a chance to assert their rights, to control others, or to take advantage of their situation. Attack responses are typically used by people who are strong and self-confident. But they may also be used by those who feel weak, fearful, insecure, or vulnerable. Whatever the motive, these responses are directed at bringing as much pressure to bear on opponents as is necessary to eliminate their opposition (2).

Assault –Some people try to overcome an opponent by using various forms of force or intimidation, such as verbal attacks (including gossip and slander), physical violence, or efforts to damage a person financially or professionally (Acts 6:8-15). Such conduct always makes conflicts worse (2).

Litigation – Another way to force people to bend to our will is to take them to court. Although some conflicts may legitimately be taken before a civil judge (Acts 24:1-26:32; Rom. 13:1-5), lawsuits usually damage relationships and often fail to achieve complete justice. When Christians are involved on both sides, their witness can be severely damaged. This is why Christians are commanded to settle their differences with other Christians within the church rather than in the civil courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Therefore, it is important to make every effort to settle a dispute out of court whenever possible (Matt. 5:25-26). Litigation is often nothing more than professionally assisted denial and attack (2).

Murder – In extreme cases, people may be so desperate to win a dispute that they will try to kill those who oppose them (Acts 7:54-58). While most Christians would not actually kill someone, we should never forget that we stand guilty of murder in God’s eyes when we harbor anger or contempt in our hearts toward others (1 John 3:15; Matthew 5:21-22). There are two ways that people move into the attack zone. Some resort to an attack response the minute they encounter conflict. Others move into this zone after they have tried unsuccessfully to escape from conflict. When they can no longer ignore, cover-up, or run away from the problem, they go to the other extreme and attack those who oppose them (2).

Peacemaking Responses

The six responses on the top portion of the slippery slope are called the peacemaking responses. These responses are commanded by God, empowered by the Bible, and directed toward finding just and mutually agreeable solutions to conflict. The first three peacemaking responses may be referred to as “personal peacemaking” because they may be carried out personally and privately, just between you and the other party. The vast majority of conflicts in life should and can be resolved in one of these ways. When a dispute cannot be resolved through one of the personal peacemaking responses, God calls us to use one of the next three peacemaking responses, referred to as “assisted peacemaking.” These responses require the involvement of other people from your church or Christian community (2).

Overlook an offense – Many disputes are so insignificant that they should be resolved by quietly and deliberately overlooking an offense. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11; Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 17:14; Colossians 3:13; 1 Peter 4:8). Overlooking an offense is a form of forgiveness and involves a deliberate decision not to talk about it, dwell on it, or let it grow into pent-up bitterness or anger (2).

Reconciliation – If an offense is too serious to overlook or has damaged the relationship, we need to resolve personal or relational issues through confession, loving correction, and forgiveness. “[If] your brother has something against you . . . go and be reconciled” (Matthew 5:23-24; Proverbs 28:13). “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15). “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13) (2).

Negotiation – Even if we successfully resolve relational issues, we may still need to work through material issues related to money, property, or other rights. This should be done through a cooperative bargaining process in which you and the other person seek to reach a settlement that satisfies the legitimate needs of each side. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) (2).

Mediation – If two people cannot reach an agreement in private, they should ask one or more objective outside people to meet with them to help them communicate more effectively and explore possible solutions. “If he will not listen [to you], take one or two others along” (Matthew 18:16). These mediators may ask questions and give advice, but they have no authority to force you to accept a particular solution (2). 

Arbitration – When you and an opponent cannot come to a voluntary agreement on a material issue, you may appoint one or more arbitrators to listen to your arguments and render a binding decision to settle the issue. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Paul indicates that this is how Christians ought to resolve even their legal conflicts with one another: “If you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church” (1 Corinthians 6:4) (2). 

Accountability – If a person who professes to be a Christian refuses to be reconciled and do what is right, Jesus commands church leaders to formally intervene to hold him or her accountable to Scripture and to promote repentance, justice, and forgiveness: “If he refuses to listen [to others], tell it to the church” (Matthew 18:17. 2 Thessalonians 3:14,15). Direct church involvement is often viewed negatively among Christians today. Still, when it is done as Jesus instructs – lovingly, redemptively, and restoratively – it can be the key to saving relationships and bringing justice and peace (2).

Conclusion

The question is, do we love people enough to tell them the truth? (Proverbs 27:6) It takes a leader who cares little about their own peace to bring true peace to the team. Much is at stake for a peacemaker. Many Peacemakers are entering dangerous situations with only one goal: to MAKE peace where no peace exists (Philippians 1:27,28).

"...And THEY (i.e. the peaceMAKERS) will be called, THE SONS OF GOD." (Matthew 5:9)

Question: Called Sons of God by who?

Answer: By God (Matthew 3:17;17:5) and man (Matthew 27:54).

Now that is something to have a BEAUTIFUL ATTITUDE about! 

The Beautiful Attitudes Series:

• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part I: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part II: Blessed are those who Mourn
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part III: Blessed are the Meek
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part IV: Blessed are those that Hunger and Thirst
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part V: Blessed are the Merciful
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part VI: Blessed are the Pure in Heart
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part VII: Blessed are the Peacemakers
• The Beautiful Attitudes – Part VIII: Blessed are those who are Persecuted 

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Shalom
(Security, Wholeness, Success)
Peace

Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. 
(3 John 1:2 NET)

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(1) Select the link to open another article in a new tab with additional information.

Now that is something to have a BEAUTIFUL ATTITUDE about!

(2) Adapted from The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, 3rd Edition by Ken Sande (founder of Peacemakers Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360 Ministries), ISBN 0-8010-6485-6, Reprinted or adapted from Peacemaker® Ministries (1). https://pm.training