Please be respectful ~ do all things for the Glory of God
Jesus’ teachings on non-retaliation are viewed as advocating pacifism by some Christians, a stance that rejects violence in all forms. However, diversity exists, with some adhering to just-war theory, advocating limited force for self-defense or protection. Matthew 5:39 – “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
In a world often marked by division and conflict, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. This goes beyond a passive avoidance of quarrels; it’s an active pursuit of harmony, understanding, and reconciliation.
Imagine the impact of embodying this beatitude in our families, workplaces, and communities. We have the opportunity to extend God’s peace, reflecting His character and spreading His love.
Indeed, Pastor Adam, Jesus' teachings on non-retaliation, as expressed in Matthew 5:39, are a powerful call for Christians to pursue peace and reconciliation. They challenge us to rise above the cycle of violence and seek ways to be agents of harmony and understanding in a world often marked by division.
In addition to Matthew 5:9, another verse that reinforces the call to be peacemakers is found in Romans 12:18, which says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This verse reminds us of our responsibility to actively strive for peace in our interactions with others.
As Christians, we are called not only to avoid conflict but to actively work towards resolving it and promoting unity. By doing so, we exemplify the teachings of Christ and reflect His character to the world.
Thank you, Pastor Steve, for your insightful reflections on the call to peace and reconciliation in Jesus' teachings. I wholeheartedly agree that Matthew 5:39 challenges us to transcend our natural instincts and embrace a spirit of non-retaliation. It’s a reminder that as followers of Christ, we are not just called to avoid conflict but to actively seek peace in our relationships.
I appreciate your mention of Romans 12:18 as well. Living at peace with everyone is indeed a profound responsibility that requires both humility and intentionality. In our communities, we can be beacons of hope by fostering understanding and compassion, particularly in a world that often feels divided. Let us commit ourselves to being agents of harmony, reflecting Christ’s love in all that we do.
Blessings,
Pastor Daniel
Hello Pastor Daniel,
Thank you for your thoughtful reply to Pastor Steve’s reflections. I echo your sentiments about the powerful call to peace and reconciliation that Jesus sets forth. As you highlighted, Matthew 5:39 is an essential challenge to our natural instincts: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This is a profound reminder of Christ’s radical call to non-retaliation and peacemaking, even in the face of injustice.
In addition to this, consider Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This passage deepens the call to reconciliation, emphasizing the need to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us, which is foundational to living in harmony with one another.
Practically, fostering peace in our communities involves not just avoiding conflict, but actively pursuing reconciliation, offering forgiveness, and extending grace. In the midst of a divided world, we are called to be a reflection of Christ’s love through our actions. How can we better cultivate an environment where forgiveness and peace thrive, both within the church and beyond?
Have A Blessed Day,
Pastor Kevin
Hello Pastor Daniel,
Thank you for your meaningful reflections on peace and reconciliation in Jesus' teachings. You beautifully highlight *Matthew 5:39*—*"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also"*—as a transformative call to embody non-retaliation and pursue peace in our relationships. Your emphasis on Romans 12:18 reinforces the profound responsibility we bear in striving for harmony: *"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."*
To complement these messages, I would like to share *Colossians 3:12-13*: *"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."* This verse serves as a reminder that peace often begins with forgiveness and a spirit of understanding, embodying the love and grace modeled by Christ.
Your insights inspire us to actively foster peace not only in our interactions but in the broader community. Practically, we might commit to small acts of reconciliation—seeking understanding in conflicts, practicing forgiveness, and showing compassion to those around us. These efforts can reflect Christ's love and encourage harmony in a divided world.
If I may, your post raises an important question: *"How can we, as followers of Christ, actively seek peace in our relationships while navigating a world filled with division and strife?"* I believe one way is through intentional listening and empathy, allowing us to understand others’ perspectives and bridge divides. What are your thoughts on practical steps we can take to cultivate reconciliation in our daily lives?
Blessings to All,
Pastor Chad
Dear Pastor Steve,
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on Jesus’ teachings about non-retaliation and peacemaking. I wholeheartedly agree that Matthew 5:39 calls us to rise above the cycles of violence and division in the world, embracing the difficult yet transformative path of peace. As followers of Christ, we are indeed called to be agents of reconciliation, even when it’s counter to the culture around us.
Your reference to Romans 12:18 is especially powerful. The phrase “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” challenges us to actively pursue peace in our relationships, recognizing that while we can’t control others, we are responsible for our own actions and attitudes. This often means taking the first step toward understanding and forgiveness, even when it’s not easy.
I also love the connection you made to Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse highlights that being a peacemaker is more than just avoiding conflict—it’s actively seeking unity and embodying the heart of Christ. In doing so, we reflect God’s Kingdom in a broken world.
Thank you again for your insights, Pastor Steve. May we all continue to strive to live as peacemakers, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring healing and reconciliation wherever we go.
Pastor William
Dear Pastor Steve,
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on Jesus’ teachings about non-retaliation and peacemaking. I wholeheartedly agree that Matthew 5:39 calls us to rise above the cycles of violence and division in the world, embracing the difficult yet transformative path of peace. As followers of Christ, we are indeed called to be agents of reconciliation, even when it’s counter to the culture around us.
Your reference to Romans 12:18 is especially powerful. The phrase “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” challenges us to actively pursue peace in our relationships, recognizing that while we can’t control others, we are responsible for our own actions and attitudes. This often means taking the first step toward understanding and forgiveness, even when it’s not easy.
I also love the connection you made to Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse highlights that being a peacemaker is more than just avoiding conflict—it’s actively seeking unity and embodying the heart of Christ. In doing so, we reflect God’s Kingdom in a broken world.
Thank you again for your insights, Pastor Steve. May we all continue to strive to live as peacemakers, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring healing and reconciliation wherever we go.
Pastor William
Hello Pastor William,
Thank you for your kind words and for your thoughtful reflection on the call to be peacemakers. As you mentioned, Matthew 5:39 challenges us to rise above the natural human tendency for retaliation and to embrace the path of peace, no matter how countercultural it may be. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This radical teaching calls us to respond to hurt with love and forgiveness, reflecting the heart of Christ in every situation.
Another verse that complements this teaching is “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) This verse underscores the power of goodness and love in defeating hatred and division. Instead of being passive in the face of wrong, we are called to actively respond with kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This is not an easy task, but it is one that aligns us with the character of Christ and His ultimate victory over sin and death.
The challenge, as you rightly pointed out, is that we must take the first step toward peace, even when others may not. Being peacemakers means embodying Christ's love and forgiveness, especially in times when division and conflict seem more prevalent. This can be practically applied by choosing humility in our relationships, listening to others with empathy, and being quick to offer forgiveness, even when it is not asked for.
In answer to your reflection on the call to live at peace with everyone, "How might we actively take the first step toward reconciliation in a world so divided?" One way to encourage this in our church community could be to cultivate a culture of reconciliation through regular prayer, not just for ourselves but for others with whom we have conflicts or misunderstandings. We might also consider offering workshops or study groups on forgiveness and conflict resolution, so we can equip each other with the biblical tools to be peacemakers.
How have you personally experienced the peace that comes from pursuing reconciliation, even when it’s difficult?
God be with you,
Pastor Tom
Dear Pastor Steve,
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on Jesus’ teachings about non-retaliation and peacemaking. I wholeheartedly agree that Matthew 5:39 calls us to rise above the cycles of violence and division in the world, embracing the difficult yet transformative path of peace. As followers of Christ, we are indeed called to be agents of reconciliation, even when it’s counter to the culture around us.
Your reference to Romans 12:18 is especially powerful. The phrase “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” challenges us to actively pursue peace in our relationships, recognizing that while we can’t control others, we are responsible for our own actions and attitudes. This often means taking the first step toward understanding and forgiveness, even when it’s not easy.
I also love the connection you made to Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse highlights that being a peacemaker is more than just avoiding conflict—it’s actively seeking unity and embodying the heart of Christ. In doing so, we reflect God’s Kingdom in a broken world.
Thank you again for your insights, Pastor Steve. May we all continue to strive to live as peacemakers, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring healing and reconciliation wherever we go.
Pastor William
Greetings, Pastor William,
Thank you for your thoughtful response and for further expanding on the concept of non-retaliation and peacemaking in the context of Jesus' teachings. I appreciate how you emphasized the importance of embracing peace even when the world around us often encourages division. Your mention of Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone," reinforces the truth that while we cannot control others, we are called to be intentional in fostering peace, starting with our own hearts and actions.
Additionally, another powerful verse to consider is Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This verse further emphasizes our active role in preserving unity and peace within the body of Christ. It reminds us that unity is something to be cherished and actively worked for, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Your reflection on Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," beautifully illustrates that peacemaking is not just about avoiding conflict, but about actively working towards healing and reconciliation in the world. This requires humility, patience, and grace, as we reflect the nature of Christ. In our daily lives, we can embody this by being quick to listen, slow to anger, and always ready to extend forgiveness. How do you personally cultivate peace in your relationships, especially when faced with challenging circumstances or misunderstandings?
Blessings,
Pastor Young
Pastor Adam, your exploration of Jesus’ teachings on non-retaliation and pacifism is thought-provoking and timely. Matthew 5:39 and 5:9 highlight the profound call to embody peace and reconciliation, not merely avoiding conflict but actively pursuing harmony and understanding.
The diversity in interpreting these teachings—whether through a pacifist lens or just-war theory—illustrates the complexity of applying Jesus' principles in different contexts. The emphasis on being peacemakers, as stated in Matthew 5:9, is especially significant in a world often characterized by division and strife.
Living out this beatitude can indeed have a transformative effect on our interactions in families, workplaces, and communities. By actively pursuing peace and reconciliation, we reflect God’s character and extend His love in tangible ways. Your call to embody these values serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have by aligning our actions with Jesus' teachings and fostering environments of understanding and harmony.
Thank you, Pastor Adam, for highlighting such a crucial aspect of Jesus' teachings. The call to be peacemakers is indeed profound and challenging in our often turbulent world.
I appreciate the distinction you make between pacifism and just-war theory. It’s important to recognize that striving for peace can take many forms, and sometimes it involves difficult decisions about protection and justice.
Matthew 5:39 invites us to a radical response to evil, encouraging us to break the cycle of violence with love and grace. Turning the other cheek isn’t about passivity; it’s an active choice to embody Christ's love even in the face of adversity.
As you mentioned, applying these teachings in our daily lives—within our families, workplaces, and communities—can truly transform relationships. Each act of reconciliation, understanding, and compassion can ripple out, fostering a culture of peace that reflects God’s heart.
Let us continue to seek ways to embody this beatitude, praying for wisdom and courage to pursue peace in every situation we encounter.
Blessings to all!
Pastor Chad
Thank you for your thoughtful response and for highlighting the importance of being peacemakers in our world. As you rightly pointed out, Matthew 5:39 offers a radical response to evil, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This passage challenges us to break the cycle of violence not through passivity, but through active love and grace—an embodiment of Christ's teachings in our daily lives.
In addition to this, another verse that aligns well is “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude highlights the deep value God places on those who actively pursue peace, acknowledging that being a peacemaker is a reflection of God’s own character and a sign of our relationship with Him.
Living out the call to be peacemakers means seeking reconciliation in every area of our lives, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. It’s not always easy, but through Christ, we are empowered to make peace, even in the most difficult situations. How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?
Have A Blessed Day,
Pastor Gene
