Blessed are the Peacemakers

Begin a new week of untangling from enmity with this foundational episode about what it truly means to be a peacemaker. Based on Matthew 5:9, we learn that God is a peacemaker who pursues shalom, and when we go out of our way to be peacemakers, we reflect God's heart. Discover the Hebrew concept of shalom—not just the absence of conflict, but wholeness, completeness, harmony, and unimpaired relationships.

What You'll Learn:

• Why God is a peacemaker who pursues shalom
• The Hebrew meaning of shalom: completeness, wholeness, harmony, unimpaired relationships
• The critical difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping
• How enmity includes both active hostility and passive avoidance
• What it looks like to pursue shalom instead of just avoiding conflict
• A practical untangle moment to take one step toward wholeness

Understanding Shalom: The Hebrew word shalom is often translated "peace," but means much more than just the absence of war or conflict. According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, shalom "means much more than the mere absence of war. Rather, the root meaning of the verb 'shalem' better expresses the true concept of shalom. Completeness, wholeness, harmony, fulfillment, are closer to the meaning. Implicit in shalom is the idea of unimpaired relationships with others and fulfillment in one's undertakings." Shalom isn't just about stopping the fighting—it's about completeness, wholeness, harmony, unimpaired relationships.

God the Peacemaker: The entire gospel is about God pursuing shalom with us. We were at enmity with God because of sin—the relationship was impaired, broken, no wholeness or harmony. God didn't just stop the hostility or call a truce—He pursued complete restoration, full reconciliation, unimpaired relationship. 

Peacemaking Versus Peacekeeping: Peacekeeping is avoiding conflict, refusing to address tension, sweeping things under the rug, pretending everything's fine. But peacekeeping doesn't create shalom because shalom requires wholeness and unimpaired relationships. You can't have unimpaired relationships when there's unresolved tension festering underneath. Peacekeeping might stop the fighting, but it doesn't restore completeness or create harmony—it just maintains brokenness with a polite smile.

Enmity: The Opposite of Shalom: Enmity is anything that prevents wholeness, completeness, and unimpaired relationships. Enmity isn't just demonstrated in lashing out—it can be expressed in passive ways by avoiding as well. 

Your Untangle Moment: Identify one relationship with conflict or tension, then practice untangling by taking one step toward peace instead of avoiding or escalating. 

Perfect for anyone carrying unresolved conflict, avoiding hard conversations, or learning that peace means wholeness not just absence of hostility.

Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:9 Series: Untangle Week Theme: Untangle from Enmity

Discover the Hebrew concept of shalom and learn to pursue wholeness in relationships instead of just avoiding conflict.