· Peace is never a product of our circumstances.

· Peace is always a by-product of pursuing godly character.

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies

and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

"Blessed are the [humble] in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

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haughty eyes (pride). (Pro 6:17a)

pride leads to conflict, but humility is foundational for peace.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

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a lying tongue. (Pro 6:17b)

Honesty about the damage we’ve caused by our sin leads to peace.

“I was wrong” – The three most powerful words. Ever.

Blessed are the meek/gentle, for they will inherit the earth. (Mat 5:5)

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hands that shed innocent blood. (Pro 6:17c)[

the true mark of meekness is compassion to those who have hurt us.

Compassion may be the clearest evidence that we are God’s children

Compassion kills hostility and produces peace…in all of our relationships.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mat 5:6)

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heart that devises wicked schemes (Pro 6:18:a)

A heart that longs for righteousness brings peace to all our relationships.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Mat 5:7)

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feet that are quick to rush into evil. (Pro 6:18b)

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Patience) -

On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. (Mercy!)

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Peace)

(Romans 12:19-21)

Patience + Mercy = Peace

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Mat 5:8)

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a false witness who pours out [lit: mouths] lies. (Pro 6:19a)

A heart that speaks the truth in love produces peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Mat 5:9)

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A person who stirs up conflict in the community(Pro 6:19b)

We become peacemakers by practicing humility, honesty, compassion, righteousness, patient mercy and the truth in love.

In Jesus we see it all come together:

// Humility - …he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! (Phi 2:8)

// Honesty - Of course he never had to be honest about his own sin, but he always spoke the truth, even when it cost him to do so. When he was arrested and on trial and he was asked “are you the son of God?” he knew if he admitted he’d claimed that, he’d be killed, but he spoke the truth: "You have said so," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mat 26:63)

// Compassion - When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. (Mark 6:34)

// Righteousness - As he was the cross dying for our sins he said Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing. And a Roman solider said: The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." (Luke 23:46)

// Patience – He endured temptation without sinning, dishonor without anger, rejection without revenge, betrayal without blame and ultimately torture and death without fighting back. Yes, he was patient.

// Truth in love - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

// Peacemaker - (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

So here’s the big question: which one needs the most work in my life and what will I do about it?