Taking Hatred Head-on – 3 – How to fight Hatred as a Peacemaker

Taking Hatred Head-On Bumper

 

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt!

 

Hatred Head On

 

Hatred is widespread.
-in our heart.

Hatred has a high cost.
-wrecks our health, mind, relationships.
-not just a strong dislike… Jesus says hatred is like murder.

 

We should take hatred head-on.

Me:

Scrolling facebook…

“Every person who believes   BLANK   is a stupid hypocrite… and other insults.”

…thoughts.

-Untrue
-How can they think this about me?
-How do they think they are?

-Oh yeah… Anger!

Hands near the keyboard… ready to let loose! I’LL SHOW THEM!

…But then I paused and asked myself, “Is this really how I want to fight hatred?”

“Arguing with a fool makes two.” Leon Darden

 

Keep scrolling… don’t get into hateful arguments.

 

I am a Pastor…
I am drawn to foolish hateful arguments.

 

Us:

We live in a world where hate seems to be winning.

-Battleground of ideologies.
-Political divisions are tearing families…

-Racial tension is high.

-Hateful culture – school.

-Destroy your enemy!

 

Hatred feels insurmountable.

 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and want to fight fire with fire.

 

How the World fight Hatred…

 

The world tells us to…

-stand our ground

-shout louder

-“cancel” those who disagree with us

 

Here is the problem with that.

Hatred vs Hatred = More Hatred

Hatred cannot overcome hatred.

 

Fighting hatred with hatred, only creates more hatred.

 

But what if there’s a better way? What if we’re called to be different?

 

What if Christianity were more than just an old dusty religion, but an ancient truth that reveals a better way to fight hatred?

 

Worth checking out?
Something radically different?

 

God:

Jesus says something radical in Matthew 5:9. *Context* Most noteworthy message – Sermon on the mount. Huge crowd, early in his ministry… What would Jesus want them to hear? 

Matthew 5:9 “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus didn’t say…

“Blessed are those who win arguments”

“Blessed are those who silence their opponents.”

No!
Jesus praises the peacemakers.
Jesus says there is Blessing in making peace…

Blessing (Makarios) – Blessed & Happy

“Happy are the peacemakers…”

Peacemaker (eirēnopoios) – One who loves peace

 

Jesus – You will be happier when you prioritize peace.

 

Love peace… value peace… more than..

-Ego/pride.
-Revenge.

-Winning.

 

Peace is an important word… Understand it?

Peace is not an absence of conflict.
The effort of peacemaking may bring you into conflict.

Peace is security & safety even in conflict.

In the storm… but safe.
Have enemies… but secure.

 

Peacemaking will draw you into conflict for the security & safety for others.

The prophet Micah reveals something we need to remember…

Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

 

Act Justly. Strive for Justice for others.

 

Wild turn for some…

Peaceful pursuit for safety & security
-Peaceful Protest & Resistance

-Civil disobedience
-Speaking Truth to Power

Biblical examples…

Peaceful pursuit for safety & security
-Peaceful Protest & Resistance

-Jesus speaks out & removes dishonest money system from the temple. (Mark 11:15-17)

-Civil disobedience

-Egyptian Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused the Pharoah’s order to kill children. (Exodus 1:15-21)

-Speaking Truth to Power

– Prophet Nathan confronts king David over adultery & murder (2 Samuel 12)

Peacemakers enter conflict for security and safety.

 

Not enough to avoid conflict.
It is Christian to enter conflict… but we must not act in hate.

My rules of thumb…

Motivation must be HELP not HURT.
If peaceful protest becomes hateful… Leave.
No riots or threatening others.
Refuse to be a political pawn.
Count the cost… you could be arrested.

 

Simpler…
-Speak up for others at school.
-Stand against other people’s bullies.
-Be both biblically and politically educated and vote.

-Rise above politics. 
-Pray & serve.
-Make a difference… not division.

 

Could we be peacemakers?
Could we enter the conflict… not to bring more conflict… but to bring security & safety?
Could we live out our faith?

 

Matthew 5:9 “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

 

Peacemakers are children of God… They take on the characteristics & virtues of God.

 

“You remind me of your Father…”
Wouldn’t it be great if a hurting world saw God in us?
A different picture of religion… not rules and self-righteousness… by security and safety.

 

Jesus wants this from us…

Matthew 5:16 “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

You:

Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But Chris, you don’t know what I’m dealing with. You don’t know how much hate I’ve experienced.”

You’re right, I don’t. But I do know this: Responding to hate with more hate has never solved anything.

Jesus gave us a better way…

Your Challenge
In weeks

• Find your place to enter conflict & bring security & safety.
• Look more like our Father.

In Days

• In conflict ask, “How can I be a peacemaker in this situation?”
• Scroll past foolish hate.
• Stop only to bring security & safety.

Now

• Hate is a problem bigger than us… We need Jesus. Take a step now.
  • Pray
  • Feel conviction? Repent and plan to change.