
Stop The Stirring
Peacemakers - Part 1
11.4/5.18
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. —Matthew 5:9
Pot-stirrer
Peacemaker
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. —James 3:13-18
Peace
Fail to acknowledge.
*Choose to ignore.*
Peace
Address when necessary.
*Engages with responsibility.*
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, … —2 Timothy 2:23-25
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. —Proverbs 15:1
11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. —Proverbs 29:11
Fear Elevates
6 So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” —Hebrews 13:6
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27
Ego Escalates
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 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. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:38-48
You don’t have to
The response must be
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:18