Blessed Are The Peacemakers | Kingdom Culture

I'm going to continue our series. I'm going to continue our series. Really, the first time I've gotten to Really, the first time I've gotten to Really, the first time I've gotten to speak in this series on kingdom culture. speak in this series on kingdom culture. speak in this series on kingdom culture. We're studying the Beatitudes. And y'all We're studying the Beatitudes. And y'all We're studying the Beatitudes. And y'all need to pray. Pastor Hunter is actually need to pray. Pastor Hunter is actually need to pray. Pastor Hunter is actually currently in our Russellville campus uh currently in our Russellville campus uh currently in our Russellville campus uh teaching during the series as well. teaching during the series as well. teaching during the series as well. That's why he's not here with us this That's why he's not here with us this That's why he's not here with us this morning. But, I'm excited because it's morning. But, I'm excited because it's morning. But, I'm excited because it's already started off really strong. These already started off really strong. These already started off really strong. These Beatitudes though, something I'd say Beatitudes though, something I'd say Beatitudes though, something I'd say about them for y'all. These are about them for y'all. These are about them for y'all. These are aspirations. They're They're a way of aspirations. They're They're a way of aspirations. They're They're a way of life we see from Jesus to live out. But, life we see from Jesus to live out. But, life we see from Jesus to live out. But, Jesus isn't just saying, "Hey, do some Jesus isn't just saying, "Hey, do some Jesus isn't just saying, "Hey, do some of these Beatitudes." of these Beatitudes." of these Beatitudes." His heart is that we would walk and live His heart is that we would walk and live His heart is that we would walk and live out all of them. out all of them. out all of them. And these Beatitudes, let me be frank And these Beatitudes, let me be frank And these Beatitudes, let me be frank with you, are one of the maybe strongest with you, are one of the maybe strongest with you, are one of the maybe strongest things we see here in the Sermon on the things we see here in the Sermon on the things we see here in the Sermon on the Mount that differentiate us as Christ Mount that differentiate us as Christ Mount that differentiate us as Christ followers from non-believers. followers from non-believers. followers from non-believers. That doesn't mean we're better than. That doesn't mean we're better than. That doesn't mean we're better than. That doesn't mean we get special That doesn't mean we get special That doesn't mean we get special treatment. It's more when you live these treatment. It's more when you live these treatment. It's more when you live these things out, you will look different in things out, you will look different in things out, you will look different in that world. that world. that world. Period. Period. Period. But, these aren't a natural ability But, these aren't a natural ability But, these aren't a natural ability thing. Like, "Hey, I'm I'm born with thing. Like, "Hey, I'm I'm born with thing. Like, "Hey, I'm I'm born with this Beatitude and you're not and vice this Beatitude and you're not and vice this Beatitude and you're not and vice versa." No. To really walk in these versa." No. To really walk in these versa." No. To really walk in these Beatitudes Beatitudes, we need the grace Beatitudes Beatitudes, we need the grace Beatitudes Beatitudes, we need the grace of God and we need the continuous work of God and we need the continuous work of God and we need the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Can I of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Can I of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Can I get an amen? So, the Beatitude for get an amen? So, the Beatitude for get an amen? So, the Beatitude for today, here's on the screen, Matthew today, here's on the screen, Matthew today, here's on the screen, Matthew 5:9. I want us to read it together.

5:9. I want us to read it together. 5:9. I want us to read it together. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they Blessed are the peacemakers, for they Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. I won't have will be called sons of God. I won't have will be called sons of God. I won't have you stand for one verse. You're welcome, you stand for one verse. You're welcome, you stand for one verse. You're welcome, okay? You're welcome. okay? You're welcome. okay? You're welcome. A peacemaker, if I could give a simple A peacemaker, if I could give a simple A peacemaker, if I could give a simple definition to start, is someone who definition to start, is someone who definition to start, is someone who carries the peace of God. carries the peace of God. carries the peace of God. But, also they make the peace. They But, also they make the peace. They But, also they make the peace. They pursue peace in the relationships and pursue peace in the relationships and pursue peace in the relationships and the situations of their life. They don't the situations of their life. They don't the situations of their life. They don't just avoid trouble. just avoid trouble. just avoid trouble. They have a heart for other people to They have a heart for other people to They have a heart for other people to make peace with God. But, in the make peace with God. But, in the make peace with God. But, in the situations or environments of their situations or environments of their situations or environments of their life, they want to bring the peace of life, they want to bring the peace of life, they want to bring the peace of God. Now, I want to have a little fun God. Now, I want to have a little fun God. Now, I want to have a little fun with y'all. If I could put everyone with y'all. If I could put everyone with y'all. If I could put everyone peace speaking in three categories, I peace speaking in three categories, I peace speaking in three categories, I think y'all would all identify with one think y'all would all identify with one think y'all would all identify with one of these. So, I want y'all to show hands of these. So, I want y'all to show hands of these. So, I want y'all to show hands uh which one you identify with. Maybe uh which one you identify with. Maybe uh which one you identify with. Maybe the first category you would say you're the first category you would say you're the first category you would say you're a a conflict avoider. a a conflict avoider. a a conflict avoider. And I don't say that with a negative And I don't say that with a negative And I don't say that with a negative connotation. Some of you already raised connotation. Some of you already raised connotation. Some of you already raised your hand. Praise God. Get this out of your hand. Praise God. Get this out of your hand. Praise God. Get this out of here. I want none of that. I don't say here. I want none of that. I don't say here. I want none of that. I don't say that with a negative connotation. that with a negative connotation. that with a negative connotation. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] There's freedom in this place in Jesus' There's freedom in this place in Jesus' There's freedom in this place in Jesus' name. I felt that. I don't say that with name. I felt that. I don't say that with name. I felt that. I don't say that with a negative connotation, but you're like, a negative connotation, but you're like, a negative connotation, but you're like, "Man, when it comes to conflict, I'm "Man, when it comes to conflict, I'm "Man, when it comes to conflict, I'm out." And I get it. It's hard. I don't out." And I get it. It's hard. I don't out." And I get it. It's hard. I don't want anything to do with that. I hate want anything to do with that. I hate want anything to do with that. I hate conversation. If you would say that's conversation. If you would say that's conversation. If you would say that's you, slip over your hand just around the you, slip over your hand just around the you, slip over your hand just around the room. Okay. Okay, that's real. The room. Okay. Okay, that's real. The room. Okay. Okay, that's real. The second group of people I would call is a second group of people I would call is a second group of people I would call is a peacekeeper.

peacekeeper. peacekeeper. And maybe someone spoke in that over you And maybe someone spoke in that over you And maybe someone spoke in that over you or maybe you would say kind of that's in or maybe you would say kind of that's in or maybe you would say kind of that's in your personality and temperament. I your personality and temperament. I your personality and temperament. I mean, you want to do things to keep mean, you want to do things to keep mean, you want to do things to keep peace, whether that's maybe you do peace, whether that's maybe you do peace, whether that's maybe you do something small to keep peace or you do something small to keep peace or you do something small to keep peace or you do avoid conflict. Man, when I was in high avoid conflict. Man, when I was in high avoid conflict. Man, when I was in high school, I was a wee little lad, but I school, I was a wee little lad, but I school, I was a wee little lad, but I hated fighting. And I was known in my hated fighting. And I was known in my hated fighting. And I was known in my friend group when our friends And I'm friend group when our friends And I'm friend group when our friends And I'm talking fight, not like talk, push, like talking fight, not like talk, push, like talking fight, not like talk, push, like fight, I would get in between them fight, I would get in between them fight, I would get in between them because a lot of my best friends I knew because a lot of my best friends I knew because a lot of my best friends I knew they wouldn't fight if I got in there they wouldn't fight if I got in there they wouldn't fight if I got in there because I just I would get this like because I just I would get this like because I just I would get this like scary feeling in my heart when my scary feeling in my heart when my scary feeling in my heart when my friends started to fight. So I just kind friends started to fight. So I just kind friends started to fight. So I just kind of go in there. I had a friend named of go in there. I had a friend named of go in there. I had a friend named Andrew who literally said, "Get out of Andrew who literally said, "Get out of Andrew who literally said, "Get out of my way." But he would never hit me. So I my way." But he would never hit me. So I my way." But he would never hit me. So I broke up many fights, which probably broke up many fights, which probably broke up many fights, which probably wasn't a good idea. But at the time it wasn't a good idea. But at the time it wasn't a good idea. But at the time it seemed right. How many of y'all say seemed right. How many of y'all say seemed right. How many of y'all say you're a peacekeeper? Maybe even you're a peacekeeper? Maybe even you're a peacekeeper? Maybe even someone's called you that before. You're someone's called you that before. You're someone's called you that before. You're a peacekeeper. Praise God. The third a peacekeeper. Praise God. The third a peacekeeper. Praise God. The third category, I've given this name for fun, category, I've given this name for fun, category, I've given this name for fun, but I would call it a troublemaker. but I would call it a troublemaker. but I would call it a troublemaker. Let me say this way. You're down for Let me say this way. You're down for Let me say this way. You're down for some peace, but if someone crosses the some peace, but if someone crosses the some peace, but if someone crosses the line, you're going to let them know. line, you're going to let them know. line, you're going to let them know. You're going to give them a piece of You're going to give them a piece of You're going to give them a piece of your mind. your mind. your mind. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Some of y'all, you like to stir the pot >> Some of y'all, you like to stir the pot >> Some of y'all, you like to stir the pot for fun. You like conflict. You're in for fun. You like conflict. You're in for fun. You like conflict. You're in that weird group of people where you're that weird group of people where you're that weird group of people where you're like, "You like conflict?" And you're like, "You like conflict?" And you're like, "You like conflict?" And you're like, "Yeah. You feel froggy, leap on like, "Yeah. You feel froggy, leap on like, "Yeah. You feel froggy, leap on over here, buddy."

over here, buddy." over here, buddy." I had a buddy who'd say that. It's like I had a buddy who'd say that. It's like I had a buddy who'd say that. It's like he was waiting to confront. And what's he was waiting to confront. And what's he was waiting to confront. And what's funny about that is sometimes that gets funny about that is sometimes that gets funny about that is sometimes that gets you in trouble with relationships or you in trouble with relationships or you in trouble with relationships or foot in mouth. How many of y'all have a foot in mouth. How many of y'all have a foot in mouth. How many of y'all have a little bit of troublemaker in you? Raise little bit of troublemaker in you? Raise little bit of troublemaker in you? Raise your hand. your hand. your hand. And I know some of y'all. I was waiting And I know some of y'all. I was waiting And I know some of y'all. I was waiting You You Yes. Yes. Don't you Cuz if you You You Yes. Yes. Don't you Cuz if you You You Yes. Yes. Don't you Cuz if you weren't going to raise your hand, I'd weren't going to raise your hand, I'd weren't going to raise your hand, I'd say, you're a troublemaker 1,000%. What Jesus is doing here, though, What Jesus is doing here, though, no matter what you've thought about no matter what you've thought about no matter what you've thought about yourself or someone said, Jesus is yourself or someone said, Jesus is yourself or someone said, Jesus is calling all of his followers, so if calling all of his followers, so if calling all of his followers, so if you're a follower of Jesus in this would you're a follower of Jesus in this would you're a follower of Jesus in this would mean you, mean you, mean you, to a new way of living, a new category, to a new way of living, a new category, to a new way of living, a new category, and it's called a peacemaker. I'm telling you, church, I'm telling you, church, I'm not here to tell you one Beatitude I'm not here to tell you one Beatitude I'm not here to tell you one Beatitude is more important than the others, cuz is more important than the others, cuz is more important than the others, cuz really what Kurt talked about we went is really what Kurt talked about we went is really what Kurt talked about we went is foundational, foundational, foundational, but our world desperately needs but our world desperately needs but our world desperately needs peacemakers. peacemakers. peacemakers. Desperately. It is so countercultural. Desperately. It is so countercultural. Desperately. It is so countercultural. It is so hard to do, It is so hard to do, It is so hard to do, yet so needed. But I'm going to warn you yet so needed. But I'm going to warn you yet so needed. But I'm going to warn you as we get into this, as we get into this, as we get into this, it will take for you to do this, I'm it will take for you to do this, I'm it will take for you to do this, I'm going to be real with you, you must die going to be real with you, you must die going to be real with you, you must die to yourself.

to yourself. to yourself. You must, as Philippians 2 says, work You must, as Philippians 2 says, work You must, as Philippians 2 says, work through selfish ambition and vain through selfish ambition and vain through selfish ambition and vain deceit. deceit. deceit. Let me say it this way, Jesus would Let me say it this way, Jesus would Let me say it this way, Jesus would later say in Matthew 16, later say in Matthew 16, later say in Matthew 16, Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me," so really we could would come after me," so really we could would come after me," so really we could put that in any category, in this case, put that in any category, in this case, put that in any category, in this case, peacemaker, in this case, Beatitude, "If peacemaker, in this case, Beatitude, "If peacemaker, in this case, Beatitude, "If anyone follows after me, he must deny anyone follows after me, he must deny anyone follows after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow himself, take up his cross, and follow himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Why? For whoever wants to save his me. Why? For whoever wants to save his me. Why? For whoever wants to save his life, they'll lose it. Whoever loses his life, they'll lose it. Whoever loses his life, they'll lose it. Whoever loses his life for me will find it." To be a life for me will find it." To be a life for me will find it." To be a peacemaker, you're going to have to deny peacemaker, you're going to have to deny peacemaker, you're going to have to deny yourself daily. yourself daily. yourself daily. You're going to have to submit to Jesus, You're going to have to submit to Jesus, You're going to have to submit to Jesus, and some of that is just simply and some of that is just simply and some of that is just simply remembering, "What is the cross that remembering, "What is the cross that remembering, "What is the cross that Christ has done for me? It's brought Christ has done for me? It's brought Christ has done for me? It's brought peace to me, so I want to bring peace to peace to me, so I want to bring peace to peace to me, so I want to bring peace to other people." other people." other people." I want to carry that peace. You know, as I want to carry that peace. You know, as I want to carry that peace. You know, as I was studying this in some I was studying this in some I was studying this in some commentaries, they were saying that this commentaries, they were saying that this commentaries, they were saying that this peacemaker correlates of all the other peacemaker correlates of all the other peacemaker correlates of all the other Beatitudes Beatitudes the most with Beatitudes Beatitudes the most with Beatitudes Beatitudes the most with blessed those who are meek. blessed those who are meek. blessed those who are meek. Now, we're going to talk about that, I Now, we're going to talk about that, I Now, we're going to talk about that, I think, at the end of July, but meekness, think, at the end of July, but meekness, think, at the end of July, but meekness, Kurt's often taught us this, is two Kurt's often taught us this, is two Kurt's often taught us this, is two definitions, is strength under control, definitions, is strength under control, definitions, is strength under control, and it's humility.

and it's humility. and it's humility. And I'm telling you, to be a peacemaker, And I'm telling you, to be a peacemaker, And I'm telling you, to be a peacemaker, it's not being soft. You're going to it's not being soft. You're going to it's not being soft. You're going to have to have strength under control and have to have strength under control and have to have strength under control and you're going to have to walk in you're going to have to walk in you're going to have to walk in humility. humility. humility. But I'm telling you this is what God But I'm telling you this is what God But I'm telling you this is what God wants from his children because it says wants from his children because it says wants from his children because it says when you're a peacemaker, you're going when you're a peacemaker, you're going when you're a peacemaker, you're going to be called children of God. So point to be called children of God. So point to be called children of God. So point number one, I want to give you three number one, I want to give you three number one, I want to give you three attributes of a peacemaker. A attributes of a peacemaker. A attributes of a peacemaker. A peacemaker, they portray God. peacemaker, they portray God. peacemaker, they portray God. It's a little alliteration there for It's a little alliteration there for It's a little alliteration there for you. Peacemakers portray God. you. Peacemakers portray God. you. Peacemakers portray God. We read the verse again. Blessed are the We read the verse again. Blessed are the We read the verse again. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called peacemakers for they will be called peacemakers for they will be called Let's get that last part, sons of God. Let's get that last part, sons of God. Let's get that last part, sons of God. This word called in the Greek means to This word called in the Greek means to This word called in the Greek means to bear the name or to be acknowledged as. bear the name or to be acknowledged as. bear the name or to be acknowledged as. Meaning as peacemakers, we get to bear Meaning as peacemakers, we get to bear Meaning as peacemakers, we get to bear Bear is another word for carry the name Bear is another word for carry the name Bear is another word for carry the name of Jesus. We get to be acknowledged like of Jesus. We get to be acknowledged like of Jesus. We get to be acknowledged like someone sees you and that's a child of someone sees you and that's a child of someone sees you and that's a child of God. It would be as if like that. God. It would be as if like that. God. It would be as if like that. We carry the name of Jesus. What I love We carry the name of Jesus. What I love We carry the name of Jesus. What I love about this beatitude, they all have a about this beatitude, they all have a about this beatitude, they all have a Jesus would say what the beatitude is Jesus would say what the beatitude is Jesus would say what the beatitude is and then it has a second line of kind of and then it has a second line of kind of and then it has a second line of kind of a reward, a promise, a description. This a reward, a promise, a description. This a reward, a promise, a description. This is the only beatitude that speaks is the only beatitude that speaks is the only beatitude that speaks directly to your identity in Christ.

directly to your identity in Christ. directly to your identity in Christ. When you are a peacemaker, when you live When you are a peacemaker, when you live When you are a peacemaker, when you live as a peacemaker, you're a child of God. as a peacemaker, you're a child of God. as a peacemaker, you're a child of God. Where does that come from? Well, we Where does that come from? Well, we Where does that come from? Well, we portray the God of peace and he's a portray the God of peace and he's a portray the God of peace and he's a peacemaker. peacemaker. peacemaker. Let me explain it to you, prove it to Let me explain it to you, prove it to Let me explain it to you, prove it to you biblically. The Bible says in Romans you biblically. The Bible says in Romans you biblically. The Bible says in Romans that we've all sinned and fallen short that we've all sinned and fallen short that we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. of the glory of God. of the glory of God. And you know, I'll get this. God the And you know, I'll get this. God the And you know, I'll get this. God the Father, who I'm about to read a verse, Father, who I'm about to read a verse, Father, who I'm about to read a verse, is called the God of peace. is called the God of peace. is called the God of peace. And then he sends his son Jesus, who And then he sends his son Jesus, who And then he sends his son Jesus, who Isaiah describes the prince of peace, Isaiah describes the prince of peace, Isaiah describes the prince of peace, so that we, a sinful humanity, could be so that we, a sinful humanity, could be so that we, a sinful humanity, could be made peace with a holy God. made peace with a holy God. made peace with a holy God. That's who we're trying to portray. Let That's who we're trying to portray. Let That's who we're trying to portray. Let me explain it in a couple of verses. me explain it in a couple of verses. me explain it in a couple of verses. Colossians 1:19 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 1:19 says this, "For God the Father was says this, "For God the Father was says this, "For God the Father was pleased to have all his fullness," pleased to have all his fullness," pleased to have all his fullness," that's talking about Jesus, "dwell in that's talking about Jesus, "dwell in that's talking about Jesus, "dwell in him." him." him." And through him to reconcile to himself And through him to reconcile to himself And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or all things, whether things on earth or all things, whether things on earth or in heaven, how? By making peace through in heaven, how? By making peace through in heaven, how? By making peace through his blood shed on the cross. Hebrews his blood shed on the cross. Hebrews his blood shed on the cross. Hebrews 13:20. 13:20. 13:20. May the God of peace May the God of peace May the God of peace through the blood of the eternal through the blood of the eternal through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our covenant brought back from the dead our covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, how the Father raised Lord Jesus Christ, how the Father raised Lord Jesus Christ, how the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Who is Jesus? That Jesus from the dead. Who is Jesus? That Jesus from the dead. Who is Jesus? That great shepherd of peace. So Jesus comes, great shepherd of peace. So Jesus comes, great shepherd of peace. So Jesus comes, dies on the cross, the Bible says he dies on the cross, the Bible says he dies on the cross, the Bible says he makes peace with us makes peace with us makes peace with us by dying for us.

by dying for us. by dying for us. And then the Father raises him from the And then the Father raises him from the And then the Father raises him from the dead. That That is called dead. That That is called dead. That That is called reconciliation, but another simple way reconciliation, but another simple way reconciliation, but another simple way to say that is God through Jesus makes to say that is God through Jesus makes to say that is God through Jesus makes peace or gives us really the opportunity peace or gives us really the opportunity peace or gives us really the opportunity to make peace with him and he pays for to make peace with him and he pays for to make peace with him and he pays for our sins. our sins. our sins. But then this is what I love about But then this is what I love about But then this is what I love about Jesus. Jesus takes a step further. In Jesus. Jesus takes a step further. In Jesus. Jesus takes a step further. In John 14, he says, "Hey, the peace I John 14, he says, "Hey, the peace I John 14, he says, "Hey, the peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I leave with you, my peace I give you. I leave with you, my peace I give you. I don't give you as the world I don't have don't give you as the world I don't have don't give you as the world I don't have peace like the world has peace." peace like the world has peace." peace like the world has peace." So Jesus saying, "When you give your So Jesus saying, "When you give your So Jesus saying, "When you give your heart to me, you repent and you get heart to me, you repent and you get heart to me, you repent and you get saved by me, my peace lives inside of saved by me, my peace lives inside of saved by me, my peace lives inside of you. you. you. So not only are you am I a peacemaker So not only are you am I a peacemaker So not only are you am I a peacemaker and I've made peace with you, now you and I've made peace with you, now you and I've made peace with you, now you get to carry the peace of God within you get to carry the peace of God within you get to carry the peace of God within you and then you go make peace with others. and then you go make peace with others. and then you go make peace with others. You portray your father. You portray You portray your father. You portray You portray your father. You portray your savior. Meaning you talk like God your savior. Meaning you talk like God your savior. Meaning you talk like God and you walk like God and you act like and you walk like God and you act like and you walk like God and you act like God because you're made in the image of God because you're made in the image of God because you're made in the image of God. God. God. My oldest son, Dax, he's seven and the My oldest son, Dax, he's seven and the My oldest son, Dax, he's seven and the older he gets, this is a blessing and older he gets, this is a blessing and older he gets, this is a blessing and funny, the more people come up to me and funny, the more people come up to me and funny, the more people come up to me and say, "Man, Dax kind of he really looks say, "Man, Dax kind of he really looks say, "Man, Dax kind of he really looks like you and he talks like you and he like you and he talks like you and he like you and he talks like you and he acts like you." And certainly Dax has acts like you." And certainly Dax has acts like you." And certainly Dax has his own characteristics that God's given his own characteristics that God's given his own characteristics that God's given him. But it is funny, he is like a him. But it is funny, he is like a him. But it is funny, he is like a little mini-me and uh one thing that I little mini-me and uh one thing that I little mini-me and uh one thing that I love is sports. I love to play sports, love is sports. I love to play sports, love is sports. I love to play sports, watch sports, but it was important to me watch sports, but it was important to me watch sports, but it was important to me I never wanted to force that on him. But I never wanted to force that on him. But I never wanted to force that on him. But now Dax loves to play and watch sports now Dax loves to play and watch sports now Dax loves to play and watch sports and and and uh while I was on the mission trip, but uh while I was on the mission trip, but uh while I was on the mission trip, but we're big Oklahoma City Thunder fans, we're big Oklahoma City Thunder fans, we're big Oklahoma City Thunder fans, well Dax was watching Thunder the well Dax was watching Thunder the well Dax was watching Thunder the Thunder game and Beth recorded him Thunder game and Beth recorded him Thunder game and Beth recorded him watching it. I want you all to check out watching it. I want you all to check out watching it. I want you all to check out this video to see my son.

this video to see my son. this video to see my son. >> Wait, I just did like that. GO TO THE RACK. GO TO THE RACK. YEAH. YEAH. YEAH. YES. DEFENSE. DEFENSE. >> LET'S STOP THERE. LET'S STOP THERE. HE >> LET'S STOP THERE. LET'S STOP THERE. HE >> LET'S STOP THERE. LET'S STOP THERE. HE gets a little more rowdy. gets a little more rowdy. gets a little more rowdy. This is so good. I watched this and then This is so good. I watched this and then This is so good. I watched this and then immediately I started laughing so hard immediately I started laughing so hard immediately I started laughing so hard because when I get fired up, come to because when I get fired up, come to because when I get fired up, come to believe that, I stand in the exact spot believe that, I stand in the exact spot believe that, I stand in the exact spot in our house in front of the TV and I in our house in front of the TV and I in our house in front of the TV and I yell at the TV. No 7-year-old knows what yell at the TV. No 7-year-old knows what yell at the TV. No 7-year-old knows what go to the rack is. That that's in go to the rack is. That that's in go to the rack is. That that's in basketball if you didn't know like go basketball if you didn't know like go basketball if you didn't know like go aggressive with the hole. It's probably aggressive with the hole. It's probably aggressive with the hole. It's probably a 90s term. And he said, "GO TO THE a 90s term. And he said, "GO TO THE a 90s term. And he said, "GO TO THE RACK." I SAID, "WOW, HE has heard me say RACK." I SAID, "WOW, HE has heard me say RACK." I SAID, "WOW, HE has heard me say that so many times." that so many times." that so many times." And to be honest, it blessed me when I And to be honest, it blessed me when I And to be honest, it blessed me when I watched that and it kind of scared me. watched that and it kind of scared me. watched that and it kind of scared me. He is so much like me He is so much like me He is so much like me that is amazing. Well, what do children that is amazing. Well, what do children that is amazing. Well, what do children do often? They portray their father.

do often? They portray their father. do often? They portray their father. I'm telling you, church, I'm telling you, church, I'm telling you, church, we could get into way more scripture. we could get into way more scripture. we could get into way more scripture. Our father, Our father, Our father, our savior, they're peacemakers. our savior, they're peacemakers. our savior, they're peacemakers. It's who they are and it's what they do. It's who they are and it's what they do. It's who they are and it's what they do. So, if we're going to be children of So, if we're going to be children of So, if we're going to be children of God, we are peacemakers, meaning we God, we are peacemakers, meaning we God, we are peacemakers, meaning we fight if we're going to fight for fight if we're going to fight for fight if we're going to fight for anything for peace, anything for peace, anything for peace, for unity, for unity, for unity, for reconciliation, for reconciliation, for reconciliation, for resolution. We don't fight like the for resolution. We don't fight like the for resolution. We don't fight like the world fights. We don't fight for chaos world fights. We don't fight for chaos world fights. We don't fight for chaos and division and and division and and division and um um um worldly things and canceling people. worldly things and canceling people. worldly things and canceling people. That's not how we fight. Really, the two That's not how we fight. Really, the two That's not how we fight. Really, the two main ways you can be a peacemaker, we'll main ways you can be a peacemaker, we'll main ways you can be a peacemaker, we'll talk about more this later, is you share talk about more this later, is you share talk about more this later, is you share Jesus with others Jesus with others Jesus with others because they need it they need peace because they need it they need peace because they need it they need peace with God and you pursue peace with one with God and you pursue peace with one with God and you pursue peace with one another. another. another. If I could oversimplify it, that's how If I could oversimplify it, that's how If I could oversimplify it, that's how you're a peacemaker every day of your you're a peacemaker every day of your you're a peacemaker every day of your life. When you share the gospel, when life. When you share the gospel, when life. When you share the gospel, when you talk about Jesus, you whether people you talk about Jesus, you whether people you talk about Jesus, you whether people know God or far from, it gives them know God or far from, it gives them know God or far from, it gives them opportunity to make peace with God or to opportunity to make peace with God or to opportunity to make peace with God or to have peace from God, and then you are to have peace from God, and then you are to have peace from God, and then you are to take that peace and make it with one take that peace and make it with one take that peace and make it with one another. And I just felt had this sense another. And I just felt had this sense another. And I just felt had this sense in my heart when I was preparing for in my heart when I was preparing for in my heart when I was preparing for y'all that the Holy Spirit man, as we y'all that the Holy Spirit man, as we y'all that the Holy Spirit man, as we are doing our best to be peacemakers by are doing our best to be peacemakers by are doing our best to be peacemakers by the grace of God and the work of the the grace of God and the work of the the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, it could be one of the Holy Spirit, it could be one of the Holy Spirit, it could be one of the greatest ways we reach people for greatest ways we reach people for greatest ways we reach people for Christ.

Christ. Christ. Because the world is full of division Because the world is full of division Because the world is full of division and and full of critique and full of and and full of critique and full of and and full of critique and full of hatred, BUT WHAT IF hatred, BUT WHAT IF hatred, BUT WHAT IF THE PEOPLE OF NEW LIFE CHURCH CONWAY THE PEOPLE OF NEW LIFE CHURCH CONWAY THE PEOPLE OF NEW LIFE CHURCH CONWAY FULLY DEVOTED AFTER GOD SAID, "NO, I'M FULLY DEVOTED AFTER GOD SAID, "NO, I'M FULLY DEVOTED AFTER GOD SAID, "NO, I'M GOING to be a peacemaker." GOING to be a peacemaker." GOING to be a peacemaker." And as a peacemaker, I'm going to reach And as a peacemaker, I'm going to reach And as a peacemaker, I'm going to reach my friends with the life-giving message my friends with the life-giving message my friends with the life-giving message of Jesus. I'm going to see them become of Jesus. I'm going to see them become of Jesus. I'm going to see them become fully devoted followers of Christ. Why? fully devoted followers of Christ. Why? fully devoted followers of Christ. Why? Because my father and my savior are Because my father and my savior are Because my father and my savior are peacemakers and I do and say and live peacemakers and I do and say and live peacemakers and I do and say and live what my father and savior do. what my father and savior do. what my father and savior do. That's the why, church. You're a That's the why, church. You're a That's the why, church. You're a peacemaker because they were peacemaker because they were peacemaker because they were peacemakers. peacemakers. peacemakers. We would be lost without that. We give We would be lost without that. We give We would be lost without that. We give that gift to others. Number two, that gift to others. Number two, that gift to others. Number two, peacemakers, they prepare for peace. peacemakers, they prepare for peace. peacemakers, they prepare for peace. They prepare for peace. Let me read They prepare for peace. Let me read They prepare for peace. Let me read another scripture from Jesus, John 16 another scripture from Jesus, John 16 another scripture from Jesus, John 16 later in the Gospels. later in the Gospels. later in the Gospels. He's talking to the disciples. He said, He's talking to the disciples. He said, He's talking to the disciples. He said, "I have told you these things so that in "I have told you these things so that in "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, me you may have peace. In this world, me you may have peace. In this world, you'll face trouble." Maybe you've heard you'll face trouble." Maybe you've heard you'll face trouble." Maybe you've heard this scripture before. this scripture before. this scripture before. "Fear not, take heart, take courage." "Fear not, take heart, take courage." "Fear not, take heart, take courage." Some translations say, Some translations say, Some translations say, "I have overcome the world."

"I have overcome the world." "I have overcome the world." Jesus is encouraging his disciples in Jesus is encouraging his disciples in Jesus is encouraging his disciples in the Last Supper and he said, "Hey, the Last Supper and he said, "Hey, the Last Supper and he said, "Hey, you're going to face some trouble in you're going to face some trouble in you're going to face some trouble in this world." this world." this world." Which may be not be encouraging on Which may be not be encouraging on Which may be not be encouraging on paper, but it's so real. But he says, paper, but it's so real. But he says, paper, but it's so real. But he says, "Hey, take heart. I have overcome the "Hey, take heart. I have overcome the "Hey, take heart. I have overcome the world and I got my peace for you." world and I got my peace for you." world and I got my peace for you." And it just made me think, man, if we And it just made me think, man, if we And it just made me think, man, if we want to be peacemakers, if we want to want to be peacemakers, if we want to want to be peacemakers, if we want to have peace in situations in our life, have peace in situations in our life, have peace in situations in our life, what do we do when conflict comes? what do we do when conflict comes? what do we do when conflict comes? Trouble comes. Trouble comes. Trouble comes. Curveballs come. Hardship comes. Curveballs come. Hardship comes. Curveballs come. Hardship comes. You think you just grab peace out of You think you just grab peace out of You think you just grab peace out of thin air? thin air? thin air? How many of y'all ever been in a hard How many of y'all ever been in a hard How many of y'all ever been in a hard situation you've wondered and this is situation you've wondered and this is situation you've wondered and this is not a wrong prayer, but you're just not a wrong prayer, but you're just not a wrong prayer, but you're just like, "God, where are you? like, "God, where are you? like, "God, where are you? I need your peace right now and I'm I need your peace right now and I'm I need your peace right now and I'm having a hard time finding it. Look for having a hard time finding it. Look for having a hard time finding it. Look for it." Well, I wonder if some of this, it." Well, I wonder if some of this, it." Well, I wonder if some of this, just like you could say for an athlete just like you could say for an athlete just like you could say for an athlete or just like you could say for anyone or just like you could say for anyone or just like you could say for anyone who prepares for something, we got to who prepares for something, we got to who prepares for something, we got to prepare peace in our heart, peace in our prepare peace in our heart, peace in our prepare peace in our heart, peace in our life before those situations come. life before those situations come. life before those situations come. It's almost like we practice peace, we It's almost like we practice peace, we It's almost like we practice peace, we expect uh conflict to come because Jesus expect uh conflict to come because Jesus expect uh conflict to come because Jesus said, and then when these hard said, and then when these hard said, and then when these hard situations come, we go, "Oh, now it's situations come, we go, "Oh, now it's situations come, we go, "Oh, now it's the time to make peace."

the time to make peace." the time to make peace." Let me give you a a different example. I Let me give you a a different example. I Let me give you a a different example. I love to cook for our family. Beth is the love to cook for our family. Beth is the love to cook for our family. Beth is the cook in our home and she does an cook in our home and she does an cook in our home and she does an incredible job, but I love to grill. I incredible job, but I love to grill. I incredible job, but I love to grill. I think a lot of men do. And so, if I were think a lot of men do. And so, if I were think a lot of men do. And so, if I were to give this example, let's say I'm to give this example, let's say I'm to give this example, let's say I'm grilling burgers, right? grilling burgers, right? grilling burgers, right? There comes that I must prepare the There comes that I must prepare the There comes that I must prepare the burgers to be grilled. I wish I could burgers to be grilled. I wish I could burgers to be grilled. I wish I could just open my hands and they were on the just open my hands and they were on the just open my hands and they were on the on the grill and they were done. It on the grill and they were done. It on the grill and they were done. It doesn't work like that. I have a doesn't work like that. I have a doesn't work like that. I have a charcoal grill, so it's really a charcoal grill, so it's really a charcoal grill, so it's really a two-step process. I got to go and two-step process. I got to go and two-step process. I got to go and prepare the grill. So, I got to get the prepare the grill. So, I got to get the prepare the grill. So, I got to get the charcoal together, I got to light it, charcoal together, I got to light it, charcoal together, I got to light it, and then I have to wait. and then I have to wait. and then I have to wait. Some of y'all, that's why you blackstone Some of y'all, that's why you blackstone Some of y'all, that's why you blackstone all the other things. You can't wait. all the other things. You can't wait. all the other things. You can't wait. You're already losing your mind. You're You're already losing your mind. You're You're already losing your mind. You're like, "No, I'm cooking right now. I'm like, "No, I'm cooking right now. I'm like, "No, I'm cooking right now. I'm here." here." here." But charcoal tastes good, so it's worth But charcoal tastes good, so it's worth But charcoal tastes good, so it's worth the wait. So, I got to wait like 20 plus the wait. So, I got to wait like 20 plus the wait. So, I got to wait like 20 plus minutes. Well, while I'm waiting, then I minutes. Well, while I'm waiting, then I minutes. Well, while I'm waiting, then I got to come over and say, "Man, I got to got to come over and say, "Man, I got to got to come over and say, "Man, I got to work on this meat." work on this meat." work on this meat." It comes just in a pack of beef. I wish It comes just in a pack of beef. I wish It comes just in a pack of beef. I wish it came as patties already. So, I put it came as patties already. So, I put it came as patties already. So, I put some gloves on and I work on the meat some gloves on and I work on the meat some gloves on and I work on the meat and I marinate it and I season it and I and I marinate it and I season it and I and I marinate it and I season it and I make some patties and I set it out and I make some patties and I set it out and I make some patties and I set it out and I let it sit. So, I've waited and I've let it sit. So, I've waited and I've let it sit. So, I've waited and I've worked and then when the grill is ready, worked and then when the grill is ready, worked and then when the grill is ready, now I can cook intentionally.

now I can cook intentionally. now I can cook intentionally. And I feel like there could be a similar And I feel like there could be a similar And I feel like there could be a similar process for us. If you're preparing for process for us. If you're preparing for process for us. If you're preparing for peace in any situation, these two words peace in any situation, these two words peace in any situation, these two words came to mind for me. I want you to write came to mind for me. I want you to write came to mind for me. I want you to write down. There's going to be times you need down. There's going to be times you need down. There's going to be times you need to wait and there's going to be times to wait and there's going to be times to wait and there's going to be times you need to work. you need to work. you need to work. Let me say it more specifically. We're Let me say it more specifically. We're Let me say it more specifically. We're going to break it down. You need a wait going to break it down. You need a wait going to break it down. You need a wait to speak. to speak. to speak. I'm going to say that again. Some of I'm going to say that again. Some of I'm going to say that again. Some of y'all didn't hear me. You need a wait to y'all didn't hear me. You need a wait to y'all didn't hear me. You need a wait to speak speak speak and you need to work on your heart. and you need to work on your heart. and you need to work on your heart. This is pre- preparation. This is pre- preparation. This is pre- preparation. Now, I could give you so many examples. Now, I could give you so many examples. Now, I could give you so many examples. So, you insert this. This could be in a So, you insert this. This could be in a So, you insert this. This could be in a moment. This could be in a conversation moment. This could be in a conversation moment. This could be in a conversation you need to have next week. This could you need to have next week. This could you need to have next week. This could be someone you've needed to talk to for be someone you've needed to talk to for be someone you've needed to talk to for years. You make it your own. Let's start years. You make it your own. Let's start years. You make it your own. Let's start to wait to speak. I'm going to show you to wait to speak. I'm going to show you to wait to speak. I'm going to show you some proverbs that are going to some proverbs that are going to some proverbs that are going to challenge you. challenge you. challenge you. Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, sin is not absent. sin is not absent. sin is not absent. But he who holds his tongue But he who holds his tongue But he who holds his tongue is wise." is wise." is wise." Proverbs 13:3, "He who guards his lips Proverbs 13:3, "He who guards his lips Proverbs 13:3, "He who guards his lips guards his life. guards his life. guards his life. But he who speaks rashly will come to But he who speaks rashly will come to But he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." ruin." ruin." Proverbs 29:11, "A fool, hello, Proverbs 29:11, "A fool, hello, Proverbs 29:11, "A fool, hello, gives full vent to his anger.

gives full vent to his anger. gives full vent to his anger. But a wise man keeps himself under But a wise man keeps himself under But a wise man keeps himself under control." control." control." We live in a world that's quick to We live in a world that's quick to We live in a world that's quick to speak. speak. speak. Quick to comment. Quick to critique. Quick to comment. Quick to critique. Quick to comment. Quick to critique. Quick to make fun of. Quick to gossip. Quick to make fun of. Quick to gossip. Quick to make fun of. Quick to gossip. Quick to talk behind people's back. Quick to talk behind people's back. Quick to talk behind people's back. Quick to shame people. Quick to comment Quick to shame people. Quick to comment Quick to shame people. Quick to comment on social media. on social media. on social media. I'm telling you we must remember to I'm telling you we must remember to I'm telling you we must remember to learn self-control the Holy Spirit. You learn self-control the Holy Spirit. You learn self-control the Holy Spirit. You need a wait need a wait need a wait to speak. to speak. to speak. Because peacemakers, they hold their Because peacemakers, they hold their Because peacemakers, they hold their tongue. They guard their lips. They keep tongue. They guard their lips. They keep tongue. They guard their lips. They keep themselves under control. In order to do themselves under control. In order to do themselves under control. In order to do that, YOU NEED SOME TIME. WHY? ULTIMATELY, THERE'S MANY THINGS I WHY? ULTIMATELY, THERE'S MANY THINGS I could tell you. You need time to seek could tell you. You need time to seek could tell you. You need time to seek God. We need to bring the bracelets God. We need to bring the bracelets God. We need to bring the bracelets back. What would Jesus do? back. What would Jesus do? back. What would Jesus do? You need to think about that for a You need to think about that for a You need to think about that for a second. second. second. And I wish I had time to unpack this. And I wish I had time to unpack this. And I wish I had time to unpack this. Our culture likes to think what would Our culture likes to think what would Our culture likes to think what would Jesus do. He would do this and he would Jesus do. He would do this and he would Jesus do. He would do this and he would do that. That fires me up when I see do that. That fires me up when I see do that. That fires me up when I see posts like that. No, no, no. We don't posts like that. No, no, no. We don't posts like that. No, no, no. We don't conform to what we think Jesus would do. conform to what we think Jesus would do. conform to what we think Jesus would do. We are conformed to the image of the We are conformed to the image of the We are conformed to the image of the name and the word of God.

name and the word of God. name and the word of God. So, no, Jesus wouldn't make that So, no, Jesus wouldn't make that So, no, Jesus wouldn't make that comment. comment. comment. Because we know he's a peacemaker. He Because we know he's a peacemaker. He Because we know he's a peacemaker. He wouldn't cut people down. He wouldn't wouldn't cut people down. He wouldn't wouldn't cut people down. He wouldn't talk behind their back. He wouldn't talk behind their back. He wouldn't talk behind their back. He wouldn't dishonor them. He wouldn't. dishonor them. He wouldn't. dishonor them. He wouldn't. But he would speak truth in love, But he would speak truth in love, But he would speak truth in love, Ephesians 4. He would be full of grace. Ephesians 4. He would be full of grace. Ephesians 4. He would be full of grace. Don't you put Jesus' name on something Don't you put Jesus' name on something Don't you put Jesus' name on something that you think he wasn't willing to do. that you think he wasn't willing to do. that you think he wasn't willing to do. Let me come back to scripture before I Let me come back to scripture before I Let me come back to scripture before I get fired up. Romans 8:6 says it this get fired up. Romans 8:6 says it this get fired up. Romans 8:6 says it this way. I'm not going to go there. I'm not going to go there. The mind set on the flesh is death. The mind set on the flesh is death. The mind set on the flesh is death. But the mind controlled by the spirit is But the mind controlled by the spirit is But the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace. Another reason you need life and peace. Another reason you need life and peace. Another reason you need some time, because it's so easy to get some time, because it's so easy to get some time, because it's so easy to get in our flesh. in our flesh. in our flesh. And I'm telling you, all of us, myself And I'm telling you, all of us, myself And I'm telling you, all of us, myself included, what needs to happen is you included, what needs to happen is you included, what needs to happen is you got to get resubmitted to the Holy got to get resubmitted to the Holy got to get resubmitted to the Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, which takes time and prayer and you which takes time and prayer and you which takes time and prayer and you cooling off. And then the Bible says cooling off. And then the Bible says cooling off. And then the Bible says when your mind and your heart is set on when your mind and your heart is set on when your mind and your heart is set on the spirit, life and what? Peace is the spirit, life and what? Peace is the spirit, life and what? Peace is there. there. there. SO, WHEN YOU'RE FIRED UP AND YOU WANT TO SO, WHEN YOU'RE FIRED UP AND YOU WANT TO SO, WHEN YOU'RE FIRED UP AND YOU WANT TO SEND AN EMAIL OR YOU WANT TO SEND A TEXT SEND AN EMAIL OR YOU WANT TO SEND A TEXT SEND AN EMAIL OR YOU WANT TO SEND A TEXT OR YOU WANT TO YELL AT YOUR SPOUSE, OR YOU WANT TO YELL AT YOUR SPOUSE, OR YOU WANT TO YELL AT YOUR SPOUSE, WAIT.

WAIT. WAIT. PASTOR RICK USED TO SAY, "PAUSE, PONDER, PASTOR RICK USED TO SAY, "PAUSE, PONDER, PASTOR RICK USED TO SAY, "PAUSE, PONDER, PRAY." PRAY." PRAY." You must have a filter. You must yield You must have a filter. You must yield You must have a filter. You must yield in a moment. You got to wait to speak. in a moment. You got to wait to speak. in a moment. You got to wait to speak. You got to let yourself calm down. You got to let yourself calm down. You got to let yourself calm down. Because you know what happens most of Because you know what happens most of Because you know what happens most of the time, especially when you have an the time, especially when you have an the time, especially when you have an opinion and everyone has an opinion. I opinion and everyone has an opinion. I opinion and everyone has an opinion. I have opinions, which is fine. It has have opinions, which is fine. It has have opinions, which is fine. It has saved my life being your pastor. You saved my life being your pastor. You saved my life being your pastor. You know how many times on social media I know how many times on social media I know how many times on social media I wanted to comment on something and I wanted to comment on something and I wanted to comment on something and I wouldn't be ridiculous. I would just wouldn't be ridiculous. I would just wouldn't be ridiculous. I would just tell people they're dumb and this is the tell people they're dumb and this is the tell people they're dumb and this is the craziest thing I've ever heard. craziest thing I've ever heard. craziest thing I've ever heard. I would tell people, "That's not what I would tell people, "That's not what I would tell people, "That's not what Jesus would do." Jesus would do." Jesus would do." That's not what Jesus would say and That's not what Jesus would say and That's not what Jesus would say and here's 14 verses. But as your pastor, here's 14 verses. But as your pastor, here's 14 verses. But as your pastor, I've had to hold my tongue. I've had to hold my tongue. I've had to hold my tongue. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. This is what I want you to hear, though. This is what I want you to hear, though. This is what I want you to hear, though. If you wait and seek God, If you wait and seek God, If you wait and seek God, especially when it comes to especially when it comes to especially when it comes to confrontation conflict, God will show confrontation conflict, God will show confrontation conflict, God will show you a favorable moment to speak. In the you a favorable moment to speak. In the you a favorable moment to speak. In the Bible in the Greek, this word is called Bible in the Greek, this word is called Bible in the Greek, this word is called kairos. kairos. kairos. So, whether you have the best thing to So, whether you have the best thing to So, whether you have the best thing to say in the world, or the right thing, or say in the world, or the right thing, or say in the world, or the right thing, or this political thing, or this what needs this political thing, or this what needs this political thing, or this what needs to happen, I'm telling you even if you to happen, I'm telling you even if you to happen, I'm telling you even if you had the exact thing to say, so often you had the exact thing to say, so often you had the exact thing to say, so often you say it at the wrong time.

say it at the wrong time. say it at the wrong time. And you lose favor with someone. Or, I And you lose favor with someone. Or, I And you lose favor with someone. Or, I don't know even how You don't get any don't know even how You don't get any don't know even how You don't get any favor online. No, the Holy Spirit will favor online. No, the Holy Spirit will favor online. No, the Holy Spirit will tell you, "Now." tell you, "Now." tell you, "Now." Why? Because he's been working on the Why? Because he's been working on the Why? Because he's been working on the person's heart for you to speak to. person's heart for you to speak to. person's heart for you to speak to. You apply this to your sibling, your You apply this to your sibling, your You apply this to your sibling, your roommate, your spouse, your co-worker, roommate, your spouse, your co-worker, roommate, your spouse, your co-worker, your friends. your friends. your friends. So, when you wait, God will help you to So, when you wait, God will help you to So, when you wait, God will help you to know what to say, how to say it, when to know what to say, how to say it, when to know what to say, how to say it, when to say it. And what happens often, watch say it. And what happens often, watch say it. And what happens often, watch this, often he'll tell you, this, often he'll tell you, this, often he'll tell you, "Don't say that." And are you willing to say, "Yes, Lord. And are you willing to say, "Yes, Lord. I'm not going to speak today." I'm not going to speak today." I'm not going to speak today." The second thing I'd tell you to prepare The second thing I'd tell you to prepare The second thing I'd tell you to prepare is to work on your heart. is to work on your heart. is to work on your heart. Work on your heart. Luke 6, I taught Work on your heart. Luke 6, I taught Work on your heart. Luke 6, I taught y'all this earlier this year. The good y'all this earlier this year. The good y'all this earlier this year. The good man stores the good things out of the man stores the good things out of the man stores the good things out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil man good stored up in his heart. An evil man good stored up in his heart. An evil man brings out evil things out of the evil brings out evil things out of the evil brings out evil things out of the evil of our heart. For out of the overflow of of our heart. For out of the overflow of of our heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. the heart the mouth speaks. the heart the mouth speaks. So, really one of the reasons you wait So, really one of the reasons you wait So, really one of the reasons you wait is so God can do a work on your heart. is so God can do a work on your heart. is so God can do a work on your heart. It's not as so much even about your It's not as so much even about your It's not as so much even about your words. Your words come some from words. Your words come some from words. Your words come some from somewhere, according to Jesus. somewhere, according to Jesus. somewhere, according to Jesus. And if you think it's your mind, it's And if you think it's your mind, it's And if you think it's your mind, it's not your mind, it's in your heart.

not your mind, it's in your heart. not your mind, it's in your heart. I think it's fascinating, this is my I think it's fascinating, this is my I think it's fascinating, this is my opinion, that the Beatitudes, right opinion, that the Beatitudes, right opinion, that the Beatitudes, right before peacemakers, is blessed are the before peacemakers, is blessed are the before peacemakers, is blessed are the pure in heart. I believe Jesus put that pure in heart. I believe Jesus put that pure in heart. I believe Jesus put that there intentionally. there intentionally. there intentionally. Why? Let me say something spicy. You Why? Let me say something spicy. You Why? Let me say something spicy. You can't be a peacemaker unless your can't be a peacemaker unless your can't be a peacemaker unless your heart's pure before God. Again, it changes everything I want to Again, it changes everything I want to say because my heart's not ready to say say because my heart's not ready to say say because my heart's not ready to say it. it. it. I'm the kind of person, in the way God's I'm the kind of person, in the way God's I'm the kind of person, in the way God's wired me, I feel emotion before I have wired me, I feel emotion before I have wired me, I feel emotion before I have the thoughts come to my mind. the thoughts come to my mind. the thoughts come to my mind. So, I've had to learn to mature. Just So, I've had to learn to mature. Just So, I've had to learn to mature. Just because I feel some kind of way, doesn't because I feel some kind of way, doesn't because I feel some kind of way, doesn't mean I can say whatever I want, or act, mean I can say whatever I want, or act, mean I can say whatever I want, or act, or react. Actually, my mentor, who's a or react. Actually, my mentor, who's a or react. Actually, my mentor, who's a pastor at church, has taught me and he pastor at church, has taught me and he pastor at church, has taught me and he has a rule for me. He says, "Amir, you has a rule for me. He says, "Amir, you has a rule for me. He says, "Amir, you are not allowed to have a conversational are not allowed to have a conversational are not allowed to have a conversational conversation un until you let the Lord conversation un until you let the Lord conversation un until you let the Lord work on your heart. You're not allowed." work on your heart. You're not allowed." work on your heart. You're not allowed." Why? Because there's so many times I Why? Because there's so many times I Why? Because there's so many times I felt some kind of way, I got fired up, felt some kind of way, I got fired up, felt some kind of way, I got fired up, and I said something foolish, I said and I said something foolish, I said and I said something foolish, I said something unwise, I said something something unwise, I said something something unwise, I said something hurtful, and I wish I had those words hurtful, and I wish I had those words hurtful, and I wish I had those words back. No, to prepare, I want you to let back. No, to prepare, I want you to let back. No, to prepare, I want you to let God work on your heart.

God work on your heart. God work on your heart. Not only will you mature, but you're Not only will you mature, but you're Not only will you mature, but you're going to prepare to make peace going to prepare to make peace going to prepare to make peace with others. Amen. with others. Amen. with others. Amen. Number three, peacemakers, they pursue Number three, peacemakers, they pursue Number three, peacemakers, they pursue peace. peace. peace. Pursue peace. Yeah, we're going to honor Pursue peace. Yeah, we're going to honor Pursue peace. Yeah, we're going to honor the Lord if we're going to prepare our the Lord if we're going to prepare our the Lord if we're going to prepare our heart, but now comes the time, church. heart, but now comes the time, church. heart, but now comes the time, church. It's game time. It's go time. It's game time. It's go time. It's game time. It's go time. You got to make peace in situations. You got to make peace in situations. You got to make peace in situations. Psalm 34:11-14, Psalm 34:11-14, Psalm 34:11-14, when we get to 14, it's going to be when we get to 14, it's going to be when we get to 14, it's going to be underlined. I want us to read it aloud. underlined. I want us to read it aloud. underlined. I want us to read it aloud. I'll prompt you. "Come, my children, I'll prompt you. "Come, my children, I'll prompt you. "Come, my children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear listen to me, I will teach you the fear listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. of the Lord. of the Lord. Church, the fear of the Lord is the Church, the fear of the Lord is the Church, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is where you learn how to do all Lord is where you learn how to do all Lord is where you learn how to do all this. this. this. The fear of the Lord is where we get The fear of the Lord is where we get The fear of the Lord is where we get direction and strength. direction and strength. direction and strength. Whoever loves life and desires many good Whoever loves life and desires many good Whoever loves life and desires many good days, keep your tongue from evil and days, keep your tongue from evil and days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." Let's your lips from speaking lies." Let's your lips from speaking lies." Let's read this together. read this together. read this together. "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it." Listen what David says. and pursue it." Listen what David says. and pursue it." Listen what David says. "Seek peace. "Seek peace. "Seek peace. Pursue peace." Pursue peace." Pursue peace." David is telling us really the David is telling us really the David is telling us really the sick most significant difference between sick most significant difference between sick most significant difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker is a a peacekeeper and a peacemaker is a a peacekeeper and a peacemaker is a peacemaker seeks and pursues peace.

peacemaker seeks and pursues peace. peacemaker seeks and pursues peace. They don't just try to hold onto it or They don't just try to hold onto it or They don't just try to hold onto it or hope it happens. That's That's hope it happens. That's That's hope it happens. That's That's definitely not a bad thing, but we want definitely not a bad thing, but we want definitely not a bad thing, but we want to take it up a notch. Man, something to take it up a notch. Man, something to take it up a notch. Man, something Pastor Kerr has taught our staff for Pastor Kerr has taught our staff for Pastor Kerr has taught our staff for years is that he's encouraged them to years is that he's encouraged them to years is that he's encouraged them to move towards conflict. Move towards move towards conflict. Move towards move towards conflict. Move towards frustration. Move towards challenges so frustration. Move towards challenges so frustration. Move towards challenges so we can be a peacemaker, not just away we can be a peacemaker, not just away we can be a peacemaker, not just away from them. from them. from them. Things aren't going to get better. Things aren't going to get better. Things aren't going to get better. Well, church, let me remind you, Well, church, let me remind you, Well, church, let me remind you, biblically speaking, peace isn't the biblically speaking, peace isn't the biblically speaking, peace isn't the absence of conflict absence of conflict absence of conflict or the absence of disagreements or or the absence of disagreements or or the absence of disagreements or misunderstanding or even pain or misunderstanding or even pain or misunderstanding or even pain or confusion. No, Jesus said you'll have confusion. No, Jesus said you'll have confusion. No, Jesus said you'll have trouble. trouble. trouble. What peace is is something to be sought What peace is is something to be sought What peace is is something to be sought after, something to be pursued. It's after, something to be pursued. It's after, something to be pursued. It's found in unity. It's found in found in unity. It's found in found in unity. It's found in resolution. It's found in resolution. It's found in resolution. It's found in reconciliation. This is something you reconciliation. This is something you reconciliation. This is something you must practice. must practice. must practice. YOU WILL GET BETTER at it when you're YOU WILL GET BETTER at it when you're YOU WILL GET BETTER at it when you're fighting for peace. fighting for peace. fighting for peace. THIS WILL TAKE HONOR. THIS WILL TAKE HONOR. THIS WILL TAKE HONOR. YOU MUST HONOR GOD BY THE WAY you YOU MUST HONOR GOD BY THE WAY you YOU MUST HONOR GOD BY THE WAY you confront and have hard conversations confront and have hard conversations confront and have hard conversations with people. YOU MUST HONOR PEOPLE with with people. YOU MUST HONOR PEOPLE with with people. YOU MUST HONOR PEOPLE with your words and actions. Our country is your words and actions. Our country is your words and actions. Our country is missing honor.

missing honor. missing honor. You can't be a peacemaker without You can't be a peacemaker without You can't be a peacemaker without honoring. honoring. honoring. That's why we wait to speak. That's why That's why we wait to speak. That's why That's why we wait to speak. That's why we work on our hearts. we work on our hearts. we work on our hearts. One of the biggest things right now Beth One of the biggest things right now Beth One of the biggest things right now Beth and I are trying to teach our oldest two and I are trying to teach our oldest two and I are trying to teach our oldest two kids, seven and three, kids, seven and three, kids, seven and three, is really how to is really how to is really how to pursue peace in the middle of their pursue peace in the middle of their pursue peace in the middle of their conflict. I get it, they're siblings, conflict. I get it, they're siblings, conflict. I get it, they're siblings, but they fight all the time. but they fight all the time. but they fight all the time. I was like, Beth, our 1-year-old can't I was like, Beth, our 1-year-old can't I was like, Beth, our 1-year-old can't even talk. I can't Is she going to start even talk. I can't Is she going to start even talk. I can't Is she going to start fighting, too? fighting, too? fighting, too? Just not ready for that. They love each Just not ready for that. They love each Just not ready for that. They love each other. They play so well so often. other. They play so well so often. other. They play so well so often. About 40% of the time it's World War III About 40% of the time it's World War III About 40% of the time it's World War III in our house, you know? in our house, you know? in our house, you know? So, Beth and I, we let them try to work So, Beth and I, we let them try to work So, Beth and I, we let them try to work it out on their own. And what happens is it out on their own. And what happens is it out on their own. And what happens is one of them is frustrated about whatever one of them is frustrated about whatever one of them is frustrated about whatever toy, something like that, and then it'll toy, something like that, and then it'll toy, something like that, and then it'll start to escalate. And the other one start to escalate. And the other one start to escalate. And the other one will frustrate them. They'll offend will frustrate them. They'll offend will frustrate them. They'll offend them. They'll take some from them. them. They'll take some from them. them. They'll take some from them. They'll hurt them. And then there's this They'll hurt them. And then there's this They'll hurt them. And then there's this distinct noise Beth and I can hear which distinct noise Beth and I can hear which distinct noise Beth and I can hear which says, "Oh, it's time for Beth and I to says, "Oh, it's time for Beth and I to says, "Oh, it's time for Beth and I to step in. We have now hit the point of no step in. We have now hit the point of no step in. We have now hit the point of no return." return." return." The number one phrase I was telling The number one phrase I was telling The number one phrase I was telling Pastor Justin earlier this week that Pastor Justin earlier this week that Pastor Justin earlier this week that we're teaching right now in our house we're teaching right now in our house we're teaching right now in our house is, "Hey, Dax or Farah, we don't take is, "Hey, Dax or Farah, we don't take is, "Hey, Dax or Farah, we don't take things from our brother or sister. We things from our brother or sister. We things from our brother or sister. We ask." We don't take things, we ask.

ask." We don't take things, we ask. ask." We don't take things, we ask. Practice that. So, like, "Sissy, can I Practice that. So, like, "Sissy, can I Practice that. So, like, "Sissy, can I have that toy?" And she's like, "No." have that toy?" And she's like, "No." have that toy?" And she's like, "No." And then he takes it anyways. I'm like, And then he takes it anyways. I'm like, And then he takes it anyways. I'm like, "Okay, it's time out." Well, let's go "Okay, it's time out." Well, let's go "Okay, it's time out." Well, let's go back to square one. We cannot figure it back to square one. We cannot figure it back to square one. We cannot figure it out. out. out. I'm trying to teach them I wouldn't say I'm trying to teach them I wouldn't say I'm trying to teach them I wouldn't say these words I'm trying to teach them how these words I'm trying to teach them how these words I'm trying to teach them how to resolve the conflict in their own to resolve the conflict in their own to resolve the conflict in their own way. I'm trying to teach them how to way. I'm trying to teach them how to way. I'm trying to teach them how to honor each other. I'm trying to teach honor each other. I'm trying to teach honor each other. I'm trying to teach them how to understand each other's side them how to understand each other's side them how to understand each other's side and forgive one another and work towards and forgive one another and work towards and forgive one another and work towards peace, not just do things as they want peace, not just do things as they want peace, not just do things as they want it, not just do things because they're it, not just do things because they're it, not just do things because they're selfish. selfish. selfish. And then I realized, man, I'm teaching And then I realized, man, I'm teaching And then I realized, man, I'm teaching this and I wish I saw this in myself and this and I wish I saw this in myself and this and I wish I saw this in myself and our world for adults. our world for adults. our world for adults. But man, when I was preparing this week, But man, when I was preparing this week, But man, when I was preparing this week, I felt like the Lord said, "Hey, you I felt like the Lord said, "Hey, you I felt like the Lord said, "Hey, you know what you're really doing? know what you're really doing? know what you're really doing? The skill and the principle so The skill and the principle so The skill and the principle so important. Parents, this is what we're important. Parents, this is what we're important. Parents, this is what we're doing. doing. doing. We're teaching them to be peacemakers. We're teaching them to be peacemakers. We're teaching them to be peacemakers. I want you to learn to be a peacemaker I want you to learn to be a peacemaker I want you to learn to be a peacemaker in our home, in our home, in our home, so you can be a peacemaker at school, so you can be a peacemaker at school, so you can be a peacemaker at school, and one day you're going to be a and one day you're going to be a and one day you're going to be a peacemaker in your home, and at your peacemaker in your home, and at your peacemaker in your home, and at your job, and that. job, and that. job, and that. Well, yeah, let's learn in our home Well, yeah, let's learn in our home Well, yeah, let's learn in our home then. Let's wrestle through it in our then. Let's wrestle through it in our then. Let's wrestle through it in our home. home. home. Let's learn to love your sibling or love Let's learn to love your sibling or love Let's learn to love your sibling or love mom and dad when it's hard.

mom and dad when it's hard. mom and dad when it's hard. We get to practice there. We get a lot We get to practice there. We get a lot We get to practice there. We get a lot of practice in the Roasted Peanut of practice in the Roasted Peanut of practice in the Roasted Peanut household. [laughter] household. [laughter] household. [laughter] Let me give you uh some practical ways Let me give you uh some practical ways Let me give you uh some practical ways to pursue peace. to pursue peace. to pursue peace. Let's start with a goal. Let's start with a goal. Let's start with a goal. The goal must be Me and Beth love to The goal must be Me and Beth love to The goal must be Me and Beth love to teach this with marriage, but it's for teach this with marriage, but it's for teach this with marriage, but it's for any relationship. The goal must be any relationship. The goal must be any relationship. The goal must be resolution, not victory. I want y'all to resolution, not victory. I want y'all to resolution, not victory. I want y'all to write that down. This will help you in any relationship This will help you in any relationship in your life. in your life. in your life. Insert uh synonym. It could be the goal Insert uh synonym. It could be the goal Insert uh synonym. It could be the goal is peace, or the goal is reconciliation, is peace, or the goal is reconciliation, is peace, or the goal is reconciliation, but it's not victory. but it's not victory. but it's not victory. Some of y'all troublemakers, or some of Some of y'all troublemakers, or some of Some of y'all troublemakers, or some of y'all like me that are a little fiery y'all like me that are a little fiery y'all like me that are a little fiery when you get fired up. If you think the when you get fired up. If you think the when you get fired up. If you think the goal is victory and you're going to win goal is victory and you're going to win goal is victory and you're going to win the argument, you're going to lose the the argument, you're going to lose the the argument, you're going to lose the battle every time. battle every time. battle every time. Cool, win the argument. It's not going Cool, win the argument. It's not going Cool, win the argument. It's not going to bring peace. to bring peace. to bring peace. BUT AMIR, I'M RIGHT. COOL, be right. BUT AMIR, I'M RIGHT. COOL, be right. BUT AMIR, I'M RIGHT. COOL, be right. That's not the goal. That's not the goal. That's not the goal. The goal is resolution. The goal is resolution. The goal is resolution. It's hard. It's hard. It's hard. If you're hitting right now in your If you're hitting right now in your If you're hitting right now in your marriage, it might be because you're marriage, it might be because you're marriage, it might be because you're trying to win all the time, or they're trying to win all the time, or they're trying to win all the time, or they're trying to win, or you're trying to prove trying to win, or you're trying to prove trying to win, or you're trying to prove that they're wrong and you're right. that they're wrong and you're right. that they're wrong and you're right. You can be right, or you can be wrong You can be right, or you can be wrong You can be right, or you can be wrong and still move towards resolution. Let and still move towards resolution. Let and still move towards resolution. Let me give you a few quick principles to me give you a few quick principles to me give you a few quick principles to pursue peace. Listen more than you pursue peace. Listen more than you pursue peace. Listen more than you speak.

speak. speak. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That's just so hard. >> That's just so hard. >> That's just so hard. James 1:19, my dear brothers, take James 1:19, my dear brothers, take James 1:19, my dear brothers, take notice. Everyone should be quick to notice. Everyone should be quick to notice. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to listen, slow to speak, and slow to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Why? Man's anger doesn't become angry. Why? Man's anger doesn't become angry. Why? Man's anger doesn't bring the righteous life that God bring the righteous life that God bring the righteous life that God desires. If I can be real with you, one desires. If I can be real with you, one desires. If I can be real with you, one of the biggest weaknesses in my life is of the biggest weaknesses in my life is of the biggest weaknesses in my life is I can be so quick to speak. I can be so quick to speak. I can be so quick to speak. Not just in conflict. I just Someone's Not just in conflict. I just Someone's Not just in conflict. I just Someone's telling a story and I can't wait to tell telling a story and I can't wait to tell telling a story and I can't wait to tell my part. Well, when you're quick to my part. Well, when you're quick to my part. Well, when you're quick to speak, you're being slow to listen. You speak, you're being slow to listen. You speak, you're being slow to listen. You don't listen. don't listen. don't listen. But James said the other way around. No, But James said the other way around. No, But James said the other way around. No, I want you to be quick to listen. You I want you to be quick to listen. You I want you to be quick to listen. You got two ears and one mouth. got two ears and one mouth. got two ears and one mouth. I don't know what accent that was. I don't know what accent that was. I don't know what accent that was. Kind of a Cajun, Katie. I almost Kind of a Cajun, Katie. I almost Kind of a Cajun, Katie. I almost a faux Cajun. a faux Cajun. a faux Cajun. Next service, I'll do better. You got Next service, I'll do better. You got Next service, I'll do better. You got two ears and one mouth. two ears and one mouth. two ears and one mouth. James is giving you key here. I want you James is giving you key here. I want you James is giving you key here. I want you to listen more than you speak. And to listen more than you speak. And to listen more than you speak. And what's fascinating is, hey, when you do what's fascinating is, hey, when you do what's fascinating is, hey, when you do that, he's actually teach you it'll help that, he's actually teach you it'll help that, he's actually teach you it'll help you honor the other person, but it'll you honor the other person, but it'll you honor the other person, but it'll help you regulate your emotions. help you regulate your emotions. help you regulate your emotions. It's fascinating. Second thing, seek to It's fascinating. Second thing, seek to It's fascinating. Second thing, seek to understand, not be understood.

understand, not be understood. understand, not be understood. Beth and I love to teach people this, Beth and I love to teach people this, Beth and I love to teach people this, families, couples, families, couples, families, couples, friends. friends. friends. Proverbs 18:2, some of y'all who are Proverbs 18:2, some of y'all who are Proverbs 18:2, some of y'all who are passionate on Facebook, please hear me. passionate on Facebook, please hear me. passionate on Facebook, please hear me. I'm not saying you can't stand up for I'm not saying you can't stand up for I'm not saying you can't stand up for something something like that. Some of something something like that. Some of something something like that. Some of y'all going to unfollow me on Facebook y'all going to unfollow me on Facebook y'all going to unfollow me on Facebook so I don't see what you post right now. so I don't see what you post right now. so I don't see what you post right now. Some of y'all need to read this verse, Some of y'all need to read this verse, Some of y'all need to read this verse, truly, to to form what you're about to truly, to to form what you're about to truly, to to form what you're about to say. say. say. 18:2, a fool finds no pleasure in 18:2, a fool finds no pleasure in 18:2, a fool finds no pleasure in understanding, understanding, understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions. but delights in airing his own opinions. but delights in airing his own opinions. A fool finds no pleasure in A fool finds no pleasure in A fool finds no pleasure in understanding. Well, Amir, they they understanding. Well, Amir, they they understanding. Well, Amir, they they shouldn't have done that, right? What shouldn't have done that, right? What shouldn't have done that, right? What happened here? This is what happened in happened here? This is what happened in happened here? This is what happened in the government. This is a the government. This is a the government. This is a a fool finds no pleasure in a fool finds no pleasure in a fool finds no pleasure in understanding, understanding, understanding, but delights in airing his own opinion. but delights in airing his own opinion. but delights in airing his own opinion. Beth and I have taught some of them to Beth and I have taught some of them to Beth and I have taught some of them to pursue peace, especially in conflict. It pursue peace, especially in conflict. It pursue peace, especially in conflict. It always will have to have a mutual always will have to have a mutual always will have to have a mutual understanding. understanding. understanding. That's how you get to resolution. That's That's how you get to resolution. That's That's how you get to resolution. That's one of the many ingredients. Mutual one of the many ingredients. Mutual one of the many ingredients. Mutual understanding, meaning you can't just understanding, meaning you can't just understanding, meaning you can't just hear what they're saying, you got to hear what they're saying, you got to hear what they're saying, you got to understand it in your heart.

understand it in your heart. understand it in your heart. It's hard, especially those of you It's hard, especially those of you It's hard, especially those of you married, this is hard. Especially at married, this is hard. Especially at married, this is hard. Especially at work you have the co-worker, this is work you have the co-worker, this is work you have the co-worker, this is hard. hard. hard. You're trying to understand, you seek to You're trying to understand, you seek to You're trying to understand, you seek to understand what they're saying understand what they're saying understand what they're saying so then they can understand you. And so then they can understand you. And so then they can understand you. And I'll also tell you this little bonus, I'll also tell you this little bonus, I'll also tell you this little bonus, every time you seek to understand, every time you seek to understand, every time you seek to understand, almost every time you're going to almost every time you're going to almost every time you're going to realize there's somewhere you need to realize there's somewhere you need to realize there's somewhere you need to apologize. apologize. apologize. Hey, I assumed something about you. Hey, Hey, I assumed something about you. Hey, Hey, I assumed something about you. Hey, I reacted because I didn't know the I reacted because I didn't know the I reacted because I didn't know the whole story and I went off on you and I whole story and I went off on you and I whole story and I went off on you and I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry, shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry, shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry, will you forgive me? will you forgive me? will you forgive me? That understanding will lead to the That understanding will lead to the That understanding will lead to the forgiveness will lead to the grace and forgiveness will lead to the grace and forgiveness will lead to the grace and they'll say, "Hey, you're right. I get they'll say, "Hey, you're right. I get they'll say, "Hey, you're right. I get why you say that. I wasn't clear. Man, I why you say that. I wasn't clear. Man, I why you say that. I wasn't clear. Man, I understand, will you forgive me?" understand, will you forgive me?" understand, will you forgive me?" Speak life, third principle, with truth Speak life, third principle, with truth Speak life, third principle, with truth and grace. and grace. and grace. Talking about pursuing peace, Ephesians Talking about pursuing peace, Ephesians Talking about pursuing peace, Ephesians 4:29, don't let any 4:29, don't let any 4:29, don't let any Hear the scripture, church. Don't let Hear the scripture, church. Don't let Hear the scripture, church. Don't let any I This is so hard. Unwholesome talk any I This is so hard. Unwholesome talk any I This is so hard. Unwholesome talk That's translated in in Greek to rotten That's translated in in Greek to rotten That's translated in in Greek to rotten talk come out of your mouth. talk come out of your mouth. talk come out of your mouth. But only But only But only If we only spoke this way, that's If we only spoke this way, that's If we only spoke this way, that's insane. What is helpful for building insane. What is helpful for building insane. What is helpful for building others up according their needs. others up according their needs. others up according their needs. That it may benefit those who listen.

That it may benefit those who listen. That it may benefit those who listen. This verse has literally changed my This verse has literally changed my This verse has literally changed my life. life. life. Because so many times I'm embarrassed to Because so many times I'm embarrassed to Because so many times I'm embarrassed to tell you how many times tell you how many times tell you how many times I've spoken in a way that cut someone I've spoken in a way that cut someone I've spoken in a way that cut someone down down down that was rude, disrespectful, or we're that was rude, disrespectful, or we're that was rude, disrespectful, or we're Christians, so because we're Christians Christians, so because we're Christians Christians, so because we're Christians we can be more sarcastic and No, it we can be more sarcastic and No, it we can be more sarcastic and No, it doesn't hurt anyone's feelings, we're doesn't hurt anyone's feelings, we're doesn't hurt anyone's feelings, we're Christians, we can be sarcastic. Christians, we can be sarcastic. Christians, we can be sarcastic. And God has convicted me time and time And God has convicted me time and time And God has convicted me time and time again. No, we don't want to tear people again. No, we don't want to tear people again. No, we don't want to tear people down, we want to build them up as down, we want to build them up as down, we want to build them up as peacemakers, we're going to speak life peacemakers, we're going to speak life peacemakers, we're going to speak life into them. Life-giving relationships into them. Life-giving relationships into them. Life-giving relationships must have life-giving communication. must have life-giving communication. must have life-giving communication. That means we have to have truth and That means we have to have truth and That means we have to have truth and grace. There's plenty of negativity, grace. There's plenty of negativity, grace. There's plenty of negativity, there's plenty of criticism, THERE'S there's plenty of criticism, THERE'S there's plenty of criticism, THERE'S PLENTY OF GOSSIP in this world, church, PLENTY OF GOSSIP in this world, church, PLENTY OF GOSSIP in this world, church, but as peacemakers, we're going to but as peacemakers, we're going to but as peacemakers, we're going to choose to speak life. choose to speak life. choose to speak life. We're going to choose to pause and think We're going to choose to pause and think We're going to choose to pause and think of a way to say that that's life-giving of a way to say that that's life-giving of a way to say that that's life-giving yet honest. yet honest. yet honest. Ephesians 4, earlier in that chapter it Ephesians 4, earlier in that chapter it Ephesians 4, earlier in that chapter it says, "Speak the truth in love." says, "Speak the truth in love." says, "Speak the truth in love." Some of y'all are just like, "Truth, Some of y'all are just like, "Truth, Some of y'all are just like, "Truth, truth, truth." You need the love. Some truth, truth." You need the love. Some truth, truth." You need the love. Some of y'all are grace, you need the truth of y'all are grace, you need the truth of y'all are grace, you need the truth with that. Let me close with a weekly with that. Let me close with a weekly with that. Let me close with a weekly challenge. Who in your life do you need challenge. Who in your life do you need challenge. Who in your life do you need to pursue peace with?

It could be something that happened this It could be something that happened this week. It could be something that week. It could be something that week. It could be something that happened last night. It could be someone happened last night. It could be someone happened last night. It could be someone that you needed to talk to for years. that you needed to talk to for years. that you needed to talk to for years. And when your mind gets quiet, you think And when your mind gets quiet, you think And when your mind gets quiet, you think of that relationship. of that relationship. of that relationship. Here's the challenge. I would challenge Here's the challenge. I would challenge Here's the challenge. I would challenge you to really live out what we've said you to really live out what we've said you to really live out what we've said today. How can you today. How can you today. How can you in the inspiration of God, portray the in the inspiration of God, portray the in the inspiration of God, portray the Father and prepare for that moment, that Father and prepare for that moment, that Father and prepare for that moment, that talk, whatever you need it to be, and talk, whatever you need it to be, and talk, whatever you need it to be, and pursue peace with that person? pursue peace with that person? pursue peace with that person? Romans 12 says, "As far as it depends on Romans 12 says, "As far as it depends on Romans 12 says, "As far as it depends on you, you, you, live at peace with everyone." live at peace with everyone." live at peace with everyone." So guys, you can prepare. So guys, you can prepare. So guys, you can prepare. Let Let me take some weight off some of Let Let me take some weight off some of Let Let me take some weight off some of y'all. You can prepare, and you can y'all. You can prepare, and you can y'all. You can prepare, and you can pursue peace. You're only responsible pursue peace. You're only responsible pursue peace. You're only responsible for your side. for your side. for your side. You can share your heart, you can speak You can share your heart, you can speak You can share your heart, you can speak in a life-giving way, you can do all you in a life-giving way, you can do all you in a life-giving way, you can do all you can, and they may not receive it, and can, and they may not receive it, and can, and they may not receive it, and that's okay. that's okay. that's okay. You can't change their heart. You do You can't change their heart. You do You can't change their heart. You do your part, let God work on them. But you your part, let God work on them. But you your part, let God work on them. But you be faithful to your part, you live at be faithful to your part, you live at be faithful to your part, you live at peace with others, and then the truth of peace with others, and then the truth of peace with others, and then the truth of the Bible will come out. You will be the Bible will come out. You will be the Bible will come out. You will be blessed as a peacemaker. Why?

blessed as a peacemaker. Why? blessed as a peacemaker. Why? Because you're going to be a child child Because you're going to be a child child Because you're going to be a child child of God when everyone sees you and knows of God when everyone sees you and knows of God when everyone sees you and knows you in the way you live. Amen.