Seen (Part 7): Seeing the Peacemakers

TO START: Today, we are in the seventh week of our series, Seen, where we are relearning to see the world and people the way Jesus saw them during his time on earth. Each week, we are walking through one of Jesus' Beatitudes. 

This week, we unpack Jesus’ assurance to those who are peacemakers, or those who aren’t passive toward the division or disruption around them but pursue God’s vision for all relationships and situations. Although peacemaking is often filled with tension and sacrifice, it’s also the moment when we demonstrate the heart of what God did through Jesus Christ to the world.

TO READ: Matthew 5:1-12 (focus on v.9)

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) When it comes to situations that could cause relational tension, do you tend to run away from them or run toward them?

(2.) When you think about peacemaking as pursuing the way God intended things to be between yourself, creation, God, and others, which of these relationships is clearest to you, and which is most difficult to understand what peacemaking looks like?

(3.) What’s the difference between keeping the peace and making peace?

(4.) When have you seen someone choose sacrifice or service rather than division and revenge?

TO PRAY:

To close this week, spend some time praying together. Ask the Lord: Who in my life or around me do I need to be praying for and supporting because they are resembling the heart of God by pursuing peace right now?

One way to do this could be to sit in silence with this question before the Lord and ask for God to highlight a specific person. Then, either have folks turn to the group member closest to them to share who they’re praying for OR everyone can share with the whole group. Then, spend a few minutes praying for those people together. Finally, ask God to show you one way you can love and honor that person this week.