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 who 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.

When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles his enemies to himself. (Proverbs 16:7 NET)

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.

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it. (Matthew 11:12 NET)

But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. (Revelation 12:11 NET)

Nevertheless, they remember that our fight is not against people but the spiritual forces behind them.  

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. (Ephesians 6:12 NET)

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!

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword. (Matthew 10:34 NET)

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, and we conspired to murder Him (1) for it!

Then Pilate said, “So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37 NET)

So the Pharisees went out immediately and began plotting with the Herodians, as to how they could assassinate him. (Mark 3:6 NET)

Nevertheless, peacemakers continue to confront injustice with truth-filled grace, mercy, and compassion, even if it costs them their reputation, career, or life.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:24–25 NET)

Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be tied up, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13 NET)

For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:18–19 NET)

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.

But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. (Ephesians 4:15 NET)

And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. (James 3:18 NET)

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.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor in turn can the head say to the foot, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, those members that seem to be weaker are essential, and those members we consider less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our unpresentable members are clothed with dignity, but our presentable members do not need this. Instead, God has blended together the body, giving greater honor to the lesser member, so that there may be no division in the body, but the members may have mutual concern for one another. If one member suffers, everyone suffers with it. If a member is honored, all rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and each of you is a member of it. And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helps, gifts of leadership, different kinds of tongues. Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they? Not all have gifts of healing, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all interpret, do they? But you should be eager for the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison. (1 Corinthians 12:21–31 NET)

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).

I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.”Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth? He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. (Ephesians 4:1–13 NET)

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 (2).

Receive one another, then, just as Christ also received you, to God’s glory. (Romans 15:7 NET)

Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions. One person believes in eating everything, but the weak person eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not despise the one who does not, and the one who abstains must not judge the one who eats everything, for God has accepted him. Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day holier than other days, and another regards them all alike. Each must be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day does it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats for the Lord because he gives thanks to God, and the one who abstains from eating abstains for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself and none dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living. But you who eat vegetables only—why do you judge your brother or sister? And you who eat everything—why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.”Therefore, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister. (Romans 14:1–13 NET)

 (2)

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 shows 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 (; 1 Samuel 2:22-25) (2).

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not given birth to any children, but she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from having children, have sexual relations with my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her.” Abram did what Sarai told him. So after Abram had lived in Canaan for ten years, Sarai, Abram’s wife, gave Hagar, her Egyptian servant, to her husband to be his wife. He had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. Once Hagar realized she was pregnant, she despised Sarai. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You have brought this wrong on me! I allowed my servant to have sexual relations with you, but when she realized that she was pregnant, she despised me. May the Lord judge between you and me!” Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai. (Genesis 16:1–6 NET)

Now Eli was very old when he heard about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of Israel and how they used to have sex with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He said to them, “Why do you behave in this way? For I hear about these evil things from all these people. This ought not to be, my sons! For the report that I hear circulating among the Lord’s people is not good. If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the Lord, who then will intercede for him?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father, for the Lord had decided to kill them. (1 Samuel 2:22–25 NET)

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, so flight is usually a harmful way to deal with conflict.

Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai. The Lord’s angel found Hagar near a spring of water in the desert—the spring that is along the road to Shur. He said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She replied, “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai.” (Genesis 16:6–8 NET)

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.

Then an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul. He was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, while David was playing the lyre. Saul tried to nail David to the wall with the spear, but he escaped from Saul’s presence and the spear drove into the wall. David escaped quickly that night. (1 Samuel 19:9–10 NET)

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).

Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and stab me with it! Otherwise these uncircumcised people will come, stab me, and torture me.” But his armor bearer refused to do it, because he was very afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. (1 Samuel 31:4 NET)

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).

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).

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.

Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. But some men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as some from Cilicia and the province of Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. Yet they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard this man speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They incited the people, the elders, and the experts in the law; then they approached Stephen, seized him, and brought him before the council. They brought forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All who were sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen and saw his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:8–15 NET)

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, lawsuits usually damage relationships and often fail to achieve complete justice.

After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought formal charges against Paul to the governor. When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight. Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude. But so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing.”The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, claiming that these things were true. When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city,nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing. But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets. I have a hope in God (a hope that these men themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people. After several years I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings, which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified, without a crowd or a disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who should be here before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. Or these men here should tell what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the council, other than this one thing I shouted out while I stood before them: ‘I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.’ ” Then Felix, who understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, adjourned their hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case.”He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. Some days later, when Felix arrived with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. While Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will send for you.” At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, and for this reason he sent for Paul as often as possible and talked with him. After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. (Acts 24:1–27 NET)

Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32 NET)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. (Romans 13:1–5 NET)

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.

When any of you has a legal dispute with another, does he dare go to court before the unrighteous rather than before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits? Do you not know that we will judge angels? Why not ordinary matters! So if you have ordinary lawsuits, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame! Is there no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow Christians? Instead, does a Christian sue a Christian, and do this before unbelievers? The fact that you have lawsuits among yourselves demonstrates that you have already been defeated. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? But you yourselves wrong and cheat, and you do this to your brothers and sisters! (1 Corinthians 6:1–8 NET)

Again, making every effort to settle a dispute out of court whenever possible is important.

Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while on the way to court, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the warden, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny! (Matthew 5:25–26 NET)

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.

When they heard these things, they became furious and ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently toward heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look!” he said. “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, shouting out with a loud voice, and rushed at him with one intent. When they had driven him out of the city, they began to stone him, and the witnesses laid their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. They continued to stone Stephen while he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he died. And Saul agreed completely with killing him. Now on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were forced to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Acts 7:54–8:1 NET)

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.

Everyone who hates his fellow Christian is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. (1 John 3:15 NET)

“You have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.’ But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment. And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says ‘Fool’ will be sent to fiery hell. (Matthew 5:21–22 NET)

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 called “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. 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).

A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11 NET)

A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an insult. (Proverbs 12:16 NET)

Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out! (Proverbs 17:14 NET)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. (Colossians 3:12–13 NET)

Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 NET)

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. (2)

The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 NET)

So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift. (Matthew 5:23–24 NET)

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. (Matthew 18:15 NET)

Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. (Galatians 6:1 NET)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. (Colossians 3:12–13 NET)

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. (2)

Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. (Philippians 2:4 NET)

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. These mediators may ask questions and give advice, but they have no authority to force you to accept a particular solution (2). 

But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. (Matthew 18:16 NET)

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. Paul indicates that this is how Christians ought to resolve even their legal conflicts with one another. (2)

When any of you has a legal dispute with another, does he dare go to court before the unrighteous rather than before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits? Do you not know that we will judge angels? Why not ordinary matters! So if you have ordinary lawsuits, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame! Is there no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow Christians? Instead, does a Christian sue a Christian, and do this before unbelievers? The fact that you have lawsuits among yourselves demonstrates that you have already been defeated. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? But you yourselves wrong and cheat, and you do this to your brothers and sisters! (1 Corinthians 6:1–8 NET)

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. (2)

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15–17 NET)

But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 NET)

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?

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive. (Proverbs 27:6 NET)

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.

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that—whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent—I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation—a sign which is from God. For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing. (Philippians 1:27–30 NET)

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

"...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!

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.” (Matthew 3:17 NET)

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5 NET)

And by man.

Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, “Truly this one was God’s Son!” (Matthew 27:54 NET)

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 with additional information in a new tab.

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