RENEWING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

 March 23, 2025

SERMON SERIES:  MOVE INTO BLESSED LIVING

(A STUDY OF THE BEATITUDES) Tommy C. Higle

Matthew 5:1-12

SERMON # 8: RENEWING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Matthew 5:9

Peacemakers bring people together; they make peace between men and God; they solve disputes and erase divisions; they reconcile differences and eliminate strife; they silence tongues and build relationships.

Most of us may know of that one person in our family, work place or even in the church who will be the main cause for trouble and dissention.  Many might have had this experience in their place of work.  There will be that person who does not fulfill the duties entrusted to him or her, and when the higher official calls them in for clarification, they will come out, and rally together a group around them to justify themselves, and make the superior look like a bad person.  They will cause confusion at the work place, when there is absolutely no need to do so.  So also, in the family there are those who cannot bear the thought of family members being united, and will interfere to cause discord. 

Then there are those who if they are aware of some serious issue between a husband and wife, will underhandedly try to turn one against the other.  Sadly, even in the church there are those who will even misinterpret the word that is being preached, and make another member feel that the sermon was targeted towards them. This will often result in confusion and division among the members in the congregation.  Blessed are the peace makers!

We need healthy relationships for “blessed living.”  To maintain and renew relationships, we must be peacemakers.  If you are pure in heart, the result is being peacemakers.  People who are pure in heart cannot stand to see broken relationships and will do everything they can to renew them.  The pure in heart is about renewing relationships.  So, the next beatitude is about renewing relationships.  “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9, KJV).

We have four requirements for being a peacemaker who renews broken relationships.

I.                   ANALYZE THE WORD PEACEMAKERS

The word peacemakers are made up of two words.  The word peace (EIRENE, i-ray-nay) describes harmonious relationship with God, and harmonious relationships between people.  The word makers (POIEO, poy-eh-oh) denotes action.  As a result, we are to take the initiative in renewing relationships.  If we are peacemakers, we will obey and follow this command in (Hebrews 12:14a NIV), “Make every effort to live in peace with all men.”

The Bible teaches that in order to be a genuine peacemaker, you need a right relationship with God.  We have two types of peace in our relationship---peace with God and peace with people.  To have peace with people we must first have peace with God, because He is the Source of true peace.  In (1 Corinthians 14:33a NIV), “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

We can only have peace with God through His Son Jesus Christ!  Being a peacemaker is one of ending conflict and renewing friendly relationships between feuding people or groups.

II.                 ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING A PEACEMAKER

For Believers, being peacemakers is not a suggestion; it is a command.  When you are a peacemaker, you are letting know they can have peace with God (Rom. 5:1) through Christ.

There is always a sacrifice to make if we accept the responsibility of being a peacemaker.  As believers, we must sacrifice our pride.  Humble yourself and say “I am sorry.”  Or, it might require saying the three hardest words, “I was wrong.”

III.              APPLY BIBLICAL COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES

Good communication requires following three basic principles.

A.    Listen Without interrupting Or Correcting.  (James 1:19b NIV) “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  Peacemaking always begins with listening.

B.     Don’t Begin Sentences with The Word “You.”  Attack the problem, not the person.  (Proverbs 12:18)

C.     Look For the Hurt Behind the Words.  Instead of correcting or trying to defend yourself, concentrate on the hurt.  Demonstrate compassion to the hurt individual by saying, “I didn’t realize how I hurt you; I’m sorry.” (Proverbs 16:24)

IV.              ANTICIPATE THE REWARDS

Reward # 1:  We will be blessed (Mt. 5:9)

Reward # 2:  We will demonstrate godly traits.  Jesus said we will be called the children of God.

Reward # 3: We will reap a wonderful harvest.  (James 3:18 NIV)

RENEWING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS!

1.     Analyze The Word Peacemakers

2.     Accept The Responsibility of Being a Peacemaker

3.     Apply Biblical Communication Principles

4.     Anticipate The Rewards