Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to be a peacemaker according to Elder Stevenson?
- How can we apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to become peacemakers in today's world?
- What are the three areas Elder Stevenson suggests we focus on to foster peace?
- How does Elder Stevenson illustrate the power of forgiveness and kindness?
- What practical steps does Elder Stevenson propose to help us become peacemakers?
Topics
Embrace Peacemaking in Our Hearts
Elder Stevenson emphasizes that peacemaking begins within our own hearts. He shares insights from children who naturally exhibit kindness and compassion, suggesting that these divine traits are nurtured through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Looking into the pure and innocent peacemaking heart of a child can be an inspiration for our hearts.
These children’s responses are evidence to me that we are all born with divine inclinations toward kindness and compassion.
- Why does Elder Stevenson believe peacemaking starts in our hearts?
- What examples from children does Elder Stevenson provide to illustrate innate peacemaking?
- How can you cultivate a peacemaking attitude in your own heart?
- Reflect on a time when you felt peace despite a challenging situation. What contributed to that feeling?
Foster Peacemaking at Home
Elder Stevenson discusses the importance of creating a peaceful environment at home through principles like persuasion, long-suffering, and love. He shares a story of a family who transformed their relationships with kindness, demonstrating the power of leading with love.
To be peacemakers, we forgive others and deliberately build others up instead of tearing them down.
Kindness had done its quiet work.
- What are the principles Elder Stevenson suggests for fostering peace at home?
- How did the family in Elder Stevenson’s story transform their relationships?
- What steps can you take to create a more peaceful environment in your home?
- Identify a relationship in your family that could benefit from more kindness and forgiveness. What can you do to improve it?
Promote Peacemaking in Our Communities
Elder Stevenson highlights the impact of peacemaking in communities, using the example of a Muslim imam and a Christian pastor in Nigeria who overcame religious divides. He encourages us to see each other as children of God and work towards peace.
Each individual, by that doctrine of Christ … holds in his hands the peace of the [whole] world.
These former enemies now travel side by side rebuilding what was broken, living witnesses that the Savior’s invitation to be peacemakers is not only possible—it is powerful.
- How does Elder Stevenson illustrate the impact of peacemaking in communities?
- What lessons can we learn from the story of the imam and pastor?
- What actions can you take to promote peace in your community?
- Reflect on a situation in your community where you can help build bridges and foster understanding.
Implement a One-Week Peacemaker Plan
Elder Stevenson proposes a practical one-week plan to practice peacemaking, including creating a contention-free home, building digital bridges, and repairing strained relationships. These steps are designed to instill habits of peace and kindness.
Peacemaking demands action—what might that be, for each of us, starting tomorrow?
When contention starts, pause and reboot with kind words and deeds.
- What are the steps in Elder Stevenson’s one-week peacemaker plan?
- How can these steps help instill habits of peace and kindness?
- Which step from the peacemaker plan will you focus on this week, and why?
- Reflect on a relationship that could be repaired. What actions will you take to mend it?
Understand the Strength of Peacemaking
Elder Stevenson concludes by reinforcing that peacemaking is a Christlike attribute that requires strength and courage. He dispels the notion that peacemakers are weak, emphasizing that true peacemaking involves leading with an open heart.
Peacemaking is a Christlike attribute.
Peacemaking requires courage and compromise but does not require sacrifice of principle.
- Why does Elder Stevenson describe peacemaking as requiring strength and courage?
- How does peacemaking align with Christlike attributes?
- In what ways can you demonstrate strength and courage in your efforts to be a peacemaker?
- Reflect on a time when you had to choose between contention and peacemaking. What did you learn from that experience?
