#soap # Matthew 05 ## Title: Peace Workers, Not Peace Keepers ## Scripture: (Matthew 5:9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (NET) ## Observation: There is a difference between keeping the peace and working for peace. Keeping the peace is something you do after you have made peace. Making peace often requires seasons of organized chaos. It involves challenging things and creating tension. The goal is to set things in order, then keep it that way. In ancient times, when a king wanted to create a wider peace, he would do so by declaring war on the surrounding nations. He knew that peace only came through the resolution of ongoing conflict. To make this happen, he would need to resolve the conflict. Then, peace could reign. ## Application: Where do you need to “declare war” and find healthy resolution so you can bring peace? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the courage to work toward peace.