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The Beatitudes, Part 7: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew word *shalowm* (H7965) embodies a profound concept of peace, reflecting a state of completeness, wholeness, and well-being that transcends mere absence of conflict. In the context of a world rife with animosities and wars, the pursuit of *shalowm* stands as a high and demanding standard for peacemaking. It signifies not just the reconciliation of disputing parties but encompasses everything that contributes to a person's highest good, aligning closely with the essence of love under all circumstances. Peacemaking, as reflected through *shalowm*, involves the entirety of one's life and character, not merely mediating disputes. It is about living in a manner that projects the nature of God, promoting harmony through personal conduct. If we are regenerated by God's Spirit, being at peace and making peace becomes the rule in our lives, reflecting the peaceable wisdom from above that is pure, gentle, and willing to yield. This wisdom avoids driving wedges of separation deeper but instead calms and tranquilizes conflicts through a godly disposition. The gospel itself carries the good news of *shalowm*, heralding reconciliation and the end of conflicts and distresses. Isaiah describes the feet of those who bring this message of peace to the troubled as beautiful, emphasizing the value of spreading this peace. While conflict may not immediately cease, *shalowm* represents the benefits that emerge when we are no longer enemies of God, preparing us to be part of bringing peace in its fullness. Ultimately, those who embody *shalowm* as peacemakers shall be called sons of God, revealing through their attitudes and conduct that they are in His image and likeness. As God is the God of peace and Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, peacemakers manifest His characteristics, creating peace both passively by not causing disruption and actively by drawing others to seek the tranquility they exhibit. This way of living prepares one to be a more authoritative peacemaker in the future when Christ returns, highlighting *shalowm* as a worthy vocation and a high standard to strive for in submitting to God and seeking His glorification.

The Peacemakers

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew word *shalowm* (H7965) embodies a profound and comprehensive meaning far beyond the simple absence of war. At its core, *shalowm* signifies well-being, implying bodily health, emotional contentment, and mental satisfaction. This concept extends to prosperity, where having abundance in resources contributes to a state of well-being. When applied to a group or nation, *shalowm* aligns more closely with the idea of peace as the absence of conflict, since prosperity is difficult to maintain during times of war. Additionally, *shalowm* encompasses stability within relationships. When spouses, families, or friends experience harmony without conflict or disruption, they are in a state of *shalowm*. This relational aspect often connects to the concept of covenant, as covenants establish boundaries and expectations for stable, secure, and prosperous relationships between individuals or groups. In the context of a covenant of peace with God, *shalowm* includes health in mind and body, contentment, absence of war, great prosperity, long life, and an exceptional relationship with Him. God, as the author of peace, offers an everlasting covenant of *shalowm*, ensuring eternal stability and prosperity. This covenant reaches its ultimate expression when both parties are fully invested, with all enmity and sin removed, allowing for eternal well-being. Conversely, when a right relationship with God is absent due to sin, true *shalowm* becomes impossible. Sin breaks peace by creating division and separation from God and others. While there may be a superficial absence of war, genuine peace—rooted in a right relationship with God—remains elusive. This lack of inner peace often manifests as turmoil and discontent, revealing the spiritual conflict within individuals and societies.

'Sons of God?'

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'

The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew word *shalowm* (H7965) is a familiar greeting often translated as peace, rest, favor, safety, health, welfare, and prosperity. It carries a basic meaning of totality or completeness, encompassing fulfillment, maturity, soundness, and wholeness. This implies that *shalowm* contributes to man's highest good. When used as a greeting or benediction, it expresses a desire for the recipient's well-being in the widest sense. Applied to the tranquility of a person's mind even amidst trouble, *shalowm* suggests a blessing of fullness or a maturing of character into the image of God, who is perfect. Unfortunately, this deeper sense is often lost in English translations, missing the richness of its intended meaning.

Shabbat Shalom

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

The word shalom denotes 'making something whole' or returned to well-being or good health. True biblical shalom refers to inner completeness and wholeness.

Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)

Sermon by David F. Maas

True peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.

Why Did Jesus Say 'Peace to You'?

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Jesus as High Priest was blessing His disciples with peace, as well as declaring Himself to be the Messiah. If we lack peace, we must examine our connection to Him.

God's Rest (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.

The Gift of Eternal Life

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The difference between living forever and eternal life is that longevity does not equate to quality of life. Living forever while enduring pain lacks appeal.

John (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.