Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Stevenson encourages members to become peacemakers by fostering peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Start by sharing a personal story or experience where you witnessed or participated in an act of peacemaking. Invite class members to share their own experiences.
- Play a short video or share a story about a well-known peacemaker from history or current events to inspire and set the tone for the lesson.
- Begin with a moment of silence or a simple meditation exercise to help class members center themselves and prepare to discuss peacemaking.
- Ask class members to reflect silently on a time they felt peace in a difficult situation and prepare to share what contributed to that peace.
- Read the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:9 and discuss what it means to be called "children of God" as peacemakers.
Topics
Recognize the Role of Peacemakers
Elder Stevenson emphasized the importance of being peacemakers, a role that requires strength and courage. He highlighted that peacemaking is a Christlike attribute and crucial during times of conflict and tension.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
- What does it mean to you to be a peacemaker?
- How can we develop the strength and courage needed to be peacemakers?
- Why might peacemakers be viewed as naive or weak by some?
- How can we ensure that our efforts to make peace do not compromise our principles?
- In what ways can peacemaking be a powerful force in our lives and communities?
Practice Peacemaking in Our Hearts
Elder Stevenson shared insights from children on how to be peacemakers, emphasizing that peacemaking begins in our hearts. He encouraged nurturing kindness and compassion as foundational steps.
These children’s responses are evidence to me that we are all born with divine inclinations toward kindness and compassion.
- How can we cultivate a peacemaking heart?
- What can we learn from children about being peacemakers?
- Why is it important to start peacemaking in our hearts?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ nurture peacemaking traits in us?
- What are some small actions we can take daily to promote peace within ourselves?
Build Peacemaking in Our Homes
Elder Stevenson shared a story of a family that transformed a difficult relationship through deliberate kindness. He taught that peacemaking at home involves using Christ's teachings to influence family dynamics positively.
To be peacemakers, we forgive others and deliberately build others up instead of tearing them down.
- How can we apply Christ's teachings to create peace at home?
- What are some challenges to peacemaking within families, and how can we overcome them?
- How can kindness and forgiveness transform relationships in the home?
- What role does communication play in fostering a peaceful home environment?
- How can we involve all family members in the process of peacemaking?
Extend Peacemaking to Our Communities
Elder Stevenson highlighted the story of a Muslim imam and a Christian pastor who became peacemakers by overcoming differences. He stressed the importance of building peaceful communities by fostering understanding and cooperation.
The only way to build a peaceful community is to build men and women who are lovers and makers of peace.
- What are some ways we can contribute to peace in our communities?
- How can we overcome cultural or religious differences to promote peace?
- What can we learn from the story of the imam and pastor about forgiveness and reconciliation?
- How can we be proactive in building bridges of understanding in our communities?
- What role does forgiveness play in community peacemaking?
Implement a One-Week Peacemaker Plan
Elder Stevenson invited members to engage in a one-week peacemaker plan, including creating a contention-free home, building digital bridges, and repairing strained relationships.
Would you consider a one-week, three-step peacemaker plan?
- What are the potential benefits of implementing a peacemaker plan in our lives?
- How can we create a contention-free zone in our homes?
- What are some ways to build digital bridges and promote peace online?
- How can we approach repairing strained relationships with a peacemaking mindset?
- What challenges might we face in following the peacemaker plan, and how can we overcome them?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does Elder Stevenson's talk inspire you to become a peacemaker?
- What are some practical steps we can take to let our light shine as peacemakers?
- How can we apply the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in our daily lives?
- What role does prayer play in our efforts to be peacemakers?
- How can we support and encourage others in their efforts to make peace?
- What are some examples of peacemaking from the scriptures that inspire you?
- How can we handle situations where our efforts to make peace are not reciprocated?
- What impact can peacemaking have on our personal spiritual growth?
- How can we teach future generations the importance of peacemaking?
- What are some ways we can celebrate and recognize acts of peacemaking in our communities?
