08/27/2026
📖Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others. (Steps 8 and 9)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
In the Beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about God's Kingdom, in Matthew chapter five, verses 7 and 9 Jesus emphasizes mercy and peacemakers.
⛓️💥As imperfect sinners, we all deserve death, punishment, and separation from God. It's only by grace that we're saved. Jesus, passionate for justice and righteousness, also deeply values grace and mercy. That's why He sent His Spirit so we can show mercy.
While it's easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they don't deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you don't feel like being merciful.
Peacemaking differs from peacekeeping. Jesus warned us that trouble, chaos, division, and misunderstandings, and a need for making peace necessary. Peacemaking requires action, pushing us out of our comfort zones.
Here are some tips to step into the tender space of making peace:
- Lead with humility. No one is perfect, and we all need grace. None of us are God.
- Lead with empathy; listen respectfully, seeking to understand others.
- Lead with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both.
- Lead to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
When we invite God into these moments, He does more than we can ask or imagine.
🪞Who do you need to forgive?
Who do you owe an apology?
Peacemaking requires action.
What's one step you can take toward reconciliation? As you lean into mercy and peacemaking, remember your mutual need for Christ.
⛪Join us every Tuesday at Celebrate Recovery. No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome here.
