Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. I. In the FAMILY. II. In SOCIETY. III. In the CHURCH. IV. In the STATE. (J. Mackay, B. D.)This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace a blessed work. I. The peace a godly man seeks is not to have a league of amity with sinners, though we are to be (1) at peace with their persons, yet we are to have war with their (2) sins (3) Grace teacheth good nature; we are to be civil to the worst, but not twist into a cord of friendship; that were to be brethren in iniquity. II. We must not so far have peace with others as to endanger ourselves. 1. If a man hath the plague, we will be helpful to him and send him our best receipts, but we are careful not to suck his infectious breath. 2. So we may be peaceable towards all — nay, helpful. 3. Pray for, counsel, and relieve them, but let us take heed of too much familiarity, lest we suck their infection. 4. We must so make peace with men that we do not break our peace with conscience. III. We must not so seek peace with others as to wrong truth. 1. Peace must not be bought with the sale of truth. 2. We must so seek the flower of peace as not to lose the pearl of truth. 3. Truth is the most orient gem of the Church's crown. IV. We must not let any of God's truth fall to the ground. 1. We must not so be in love with the golden crown of peace as to pluck off the jewels of truth. 2. Rather let peace go than truth, (Thomas Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.WEB: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. |
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