“From beginning to end, the Sermon on the Mount cries out, ‘Get yourself a new heart! Become a new person!’” That’s the thrust John Piper highlights—and it echoes Jesus’ own words.
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man… and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:26–27)
The Beatitudes are not a loophole to coast into heaven by mere profession; they are the character of people who have been made new. Final salvation is promised to the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers (Matthew 5:7–9) because grace has truly changed them. The gospel doesn’t say “believe and remain the same.” It says “believe and become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Who Do You Look Like?
Family resemblance is real. We pick up our parents’ features, phrases, even mannerisms. Spiritually, the same is true: children resemble their Father.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Jesus is not telling us how to earn sonship; He’s describing how true sons and daughters are recognized. Peacemakers look like their Father because God Himself is “the God of peace” (Romans 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). He made peace “by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20), “not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). When grace remakes us, we begin to extend what we’ve received.
The Order Matters: Pure, Then Peaceable
Biblical peace never bypasses holiness.
“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable.” (James 3:17)
“Blessed are the pure in heart… Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:8–9)
We aim for peace without compromising righteousness. That’s why the next Beatitude says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). Sometimes standing with Jesus brings a sword, not peace (Matthew 10:34–36). If possible, we live at peace with all (Romans 12:18), but never by abandoning truth.
What Peacemakers Do
Peacemaking is not passivity; it’s Spirit-powered initiative that reflects the Father’s heart.
-
Take the first step
If you’ve wronged someone—or remember someone has something against you—go. Reconcile before you worship.
(Matthew 5:23–25; Matthew 18:15)
-
Say yes when invited to peace
When someone seeks to mediate, cooperate instead of hardening. That willingness is peacemaking, and it looks like your Father.
-
Help others reconcile
With humility and caution, step in to restore the wandering.
“If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves…” (Galatians 6:1)
“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
-
Accept that peace won’t always be possible
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)
Some divisions remain because truth must be upheld (1 Corinthians 11:18–19). When obedience to Christ provokes hostility, you’re not failing at peacemaking—you’re following Jesus.
The Ministry We Carry
God is “making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We announce amnesty in Christ and embody it in our relationships. We don’t get to pick who’s “worthy” of mercy; we freely give as we freely received (Matthew 10:8; Ephesians 4:1–3).
A Prayer for a New Heart
Father, give me a new heart that resembles Yours—pure, merciful, peace-seeking. Make me quick to repent, quick to reconcile, and courageous to hold truth with grace. Form Christ in me so that my life looks like Yours. Amen.
Reflection
-
Where is the Spirit inviting you to take the first step toward reconciliation?
-
Have you been prioritizing comfort over purity or peace over truth?
-
In what relationship can you actively participate (or cooperate) in peacemaking this week so that you “look like your Father”?
