Your response captures the profound challenge and calling of Christ’s teachings on peace. You highlighted Matthew 5:39, which presents a radical approach to conflict—choosing grace over retaliation. This is not passive surrender but an active demonstration of love that reflects the heart of Christ. You also referenced Matthew 5:9, where Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse reminds us that actively seeking peace is a defining characteristic of those who belong to Him.

Another passage that reinforces this message is Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This verse acknowledges that while peace may not always be reciprocated, it is our responsibility to pursue it whenever possible. It calls for humility, patience, and a willingness to prioritize reconciliation over personal pride.

Applying this in daily life means choosing to respond with love instead of anger, listening before reacting, and being intentional about resolving conflicts in a Christlike manner. It requires a heart that seeks restoration rather than division. Through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a spirit of peace in our relationships and communities.

You asked, “How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?” One way is by modeling it ourselves—demonstrating peacemaking through our words and actions. Additionally, teaching conflict resolution through Scripture and sharing testimonies of reconciliation can inspire others to pursue peace. What are some practical ways we can equip believers to handle conflicts biblically?

Have a Wonderful Day,
Pastor Steve

Greetings Pastor Gene,

Thank you for your insightful reflections on peacemaking and your emphasis on 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."—which offers a profound example of responding to conflict with grace rather than retaliation. This passage challenges us to embody Christ's love in moments where bitterness or revenge might otherwise take hold.

Another verse that reinforces this theme is Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This verse acknowledges that peace requires effort and intentionality. While we cannot always control the actions of others, we are called to take responsibility for our own responses, striving to promote harmony in every sphere of life.

Living as peacemakers means cultivating humility, patience, and wisdom in our daily interactions. In practical terms, this might look like actively listening during disagreements, offering words of encouragement instead of criticism, and being quick to seek reconciliation when relationships become strained. Through Christ, we are strengthened to pursue peace even in the face of adversity.

In response to your question, "How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?"—one approach is fostering open conversations through small groups or workshops focused on biblical conflict resolution. Encouraging prayerful reflection before responding to difficult situations can also help cultivate a heart posture that seeks peace over discord.

What are some ways that you have personally witnessed the transformative power of peace in your ministry?

Blessings, Pastor Barry

Greetings Pastor Gene,

Your message beautifully lifts up the radical grace at the heart of the Gospel. You quoted Matthew 5:39, which calls us to “turn the other cheek,” a teaching that challenges worldly instincts of retaliation and invites us into the redemptive power of love. Pairing that with Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” highlights the sacred identity of those who sow peace—they are reflecting the very heart of the Father.

Another verse to consider is Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This passage reminds us that peacemaking starts with personal responsibility. While conflict may be inevitable, choosing peace—through prayer, humility, and Spirit-filled restraint—is always within reach.

Scripture doesn’t call us to be peacekeepers who avoid tension but rather peacemakers who courageously step into broken places and restore what has been lost. From mending strained relationships to speaking gentle truth in heated moments, this is the everyday work of kingdom ambassadors. When the church models reconciliation, the world glimpses the love of Christ made visible.

You asked: “How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?” One way is by sharing testimonies—both biblical and modern—of peacemaking in action. Coupling that with practical teachings on listening well, forgiving quickly, and confronting humbly can help create a culture where peace becomes not just a value, but a habit.

What’s one area in your life or ministry where God is nudging you to be more of a peacemaker?

Blessings, Pastor Luke

Hello Pastor Gene,

Thank you for your compassionate message and wise reflections on our calling to be peacemakers. You powerfully emphasized Matthew 5:39: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also,” reminding us that Christ calls us not to react with hostility, but to transform conflict through grace and love. This teaching is not passive surrender but radical courage to embody divine mercy in the face of wrongdoing.

An accompanying verse that echoes this principle is Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This passage urges us to pursue peace proactively, recognizing that it’s a responsibility we carry as followers of Christ. It encourages believers to take initiative in building bridges and diffusing tension, while acknowledging that peace is sometimes a process that requires perseverance.

Living as peacemakers means practicing humility, extending forgiveness quickly, and creating a culture where honest conversations can flourish. In our homes, we model peace by choosing understanding over argument. In our workplaces, we honor others through respect and integrity. And in our communities, we advocate for justice and reconciliation—trusting that peace is both a testimony and a tool of God’s kingdom.

In response to your question—"How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?"—we might begin by teaching conflict resolution grounded in Scripture, offering workshops on empathetic communication, and sharing testimonies of how peace restored broken relationships. When people see the fruit of peacemaking, they are inspired to embrace it more fully.

How has God used a moment of peace-making in your life to deepen your faith or restore a broken bond?

Blessings, Pastor Carl

Greetings Pastor Gene,

Your post beautifully captures the heart of Christ’s call to radical peace. You referenced 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,” and Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” These verses challenge us to respond to hostility not with retaliation, but with grace, and to actively pursue peace as a reflection of our identity in Christ.

An additional verse that deepens this message is Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This verse acknowledges the difficulty of peacemaking, yet places the responsibility on each believer to do their part. It reminds us that peace is not passive—it requires effort, humility, and a willingness to surrender our pride for the sake of unity.

Biblically, peacemaking is not merely avoiding conflict but stepping into it with the intention of healing. Practically, this means teaching our members to listen before speaking, to forgive quickly, and to seek understanding over being right. In our homes, it may look like patient parenting or reconciling with a spouse. In our communities, it may mean bridging divides across political or cultural lines with compassion and truth.

You asked, “How can we encourage our church members to be more intentional about practicing peace, especially in times of conflict or division?” One way is through modeling—leaders must embody peace in their own relationships. Another is through teaching—regular sermons and small group studies on reconciliation, forgiveness, and humility can shape hearts. We can also create spaces for honest dialogue, where members feel safe to share and grow.

How have you seen peacemaking transform relationships in your own ministry?

Blessings, Pastor Daniel