1. Blessed are those that recognize their spiritual poverty before God (poor in spirit).

2. Blessed are those who mourn over their spiritual condition and the effects of sin

on their family, friends, and neighbors.

3. Blessed are those who control their emotions and are gentle and kind to other people and use their power and influence with discretion (meekness).

4. Blessed are those who strongly desire to be with God and to live holy and

righteous lives (hungering and thirsting after righteousness).

5. Blessed are those who are proactively compassionate to those in need (merciful).

6. Blessed are those who have a passion to know God and live a sincere and transparent lifestyle before God (pure in heart).

"Peace is first and foremost internal and spiritual. It is not primarily physical, military or political. Peace for the nation flows from peace in the hearts of individuals. Peacemakers are not power brokers but people lovers.” – James Hawkins

Shalom - Wholeness of life, overall well being

Eirene - Absence of conflict or division

Peacemaker - One who actively pursues peace and works to resolve conflict

God of Angel Armies

OUR SIN NATURE CREATES CONFLICT

1. The Peace that Messiah brings (Is. 9:6-7, Ephes. 2:13-17)

2. Peace and Harmony in our relationships with other people (Romans 12:18, James 3:18)

1. Go and discuss the alleged wrong with the person first.

2. If that does not resolve the conflict, take 1-2 other Christians (mediators) with you to visit the person.

3. If that does not work take the conflict to the leaders of the Church.

2. Some Biblical Tips on How to Become a More Peaceful Person

1. Practice the spiritual disciplines

2. Value relationships and particularly peace in relationships (Hebrews 12:14)

1. Overlook minor offenses (Proverbs 19:11)

2. Practice Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)

3. Learn to control your emotions and your temper (Gal. 5:22-23, Eccles. 7:9)

4. Learn to give up your right to win every argument and instead practice sacrificial love (Hebrews 12:2-3)

1. Start with yourself- Confess sin- get right with God (I John 1:9)

2. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5)

3. Pray with and for the parties (Pray against a spirit of offense)

4. Ask the parties to pray for themselves and each other

5. Read some scripture (Matthew 5:9, I Cor. 6:7, Matthew 6:14-15, Col. 3:13, John 13:34-35)

6. Remind the parties that there are spiritual forces involved in trying to prevent a peaceful resolution of the dispute (Ephes. 6:12)

7. Try to find the common ground first and move from there.

8. Ask each person to put themselves in the other person’s position (Luke 10:27)

9. Remind the parties that they will likely have to give up something in order to resolve the conflict

10.Point out that often times that winning is not worth the relational damage (I Cor. 6:7)

11.Remind the parties that others are watching them and that they are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)

12. Be willing to propose creative solutions if the parties cannot reach agreement

THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING