Peacemaker or PeaceKeeper

Pastor Michael Turner

November 30, 2025

Main Idea

The core idea of Pastor Michael’s message revolved around the understanding that being a peacemaker requires courage and action, unlike the passive nature of being a peacekeeper. He illustrated for us how God’s desire for peace isn’t simply the absence of conflict but proactive steps towards healing relationships. Throughout the sermon, we were reminded that true peacemaking can be challenging, yet it is necessary for spiritual growth and community building. Pastor Michael highlighted that as we engaged in this process, our faith would deepen and our connections with one another would strengthen. By owning our roles as peacemakers, we were invited to reflect the heart of God and transform our relationships, ultimately creating an atmosphere of lasting peace.

Scripture References

Matthew 5:9, James 3:17-18, Romans 12:18

What are some examples of peacekeeping versus peacemaking in your life?

How can we encourage each other to be peacemakers in our relationships?

Discussion Questions:

What challenges do you face when pursuing peace in difficult situations?

In what ways can our church community facilitate peacemaking?

Reflect on a time you successfully navigated a conflict; what did you learn from that experience?

Summary

In the sermon, Pastor Michael shared insights on the distinction between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. He emphasized how we often sought comfort in avoiding conflict, mistaking peacekeeping for peacemaking. Pastor Michael encouraged us to embrace the difficult work of peacemaking, which often involves addressing underlying issues instead of merely maintaining a facade of peace. By reflecting on scriptural examples, he showed us how true peacemaking leads to reconciliation and deeper relationships. The message resonated with our struggles, reminding us that God calls us to a more active role in fostering peace, one that reflects His love and truth, rather than just avoiding strife or discomfort.