In conversations about the work of the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship, I’m often asked, “Do these peacemaking principles actually work?”
Sometimes I answer with a question: “Does the Sermon on the Mount work?” It depends on what we mean by “work.”
If we mean, “Does this produce quick resolution, agreement, or changed behavior in others?” then the answer is no. But if by “work” we mean, “Will this form us into people who reflect the heart of God and open the door for real reconciliation?” Then the answer is yes. Absolutely.
Where “The Work” Begins
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus shows us the order of transformation in the parable of the log and the speck. He reminds us that before we deal with the speck in someone else’s eye, we must remove the log from our own. Then, with our vision clear, we can help remove the speck from someone else’s eye.
Jesus begins with personal integrity, not external results.
If all we want is to get someone to be less annoying or to agree with us, we’re not doing the work of transformation. We’re simply running our agenda and helping our side win.
What Happens When We Do the Work
We are changed. Conflict exposes what still needs transformation: our pride, our defensiveness, our need to win. Left alone, those logs grow slipperier. In the hands of God, they become places where growth begins. We notice what’s happening in us, not just what’s wrong with them, becoming slower to speak, quicker to listen, and more curious than combative.
As Dr. Benno van den Toren puts it, “In the mirror of discovery of the strangeness of others, we also change.” Engaging others across our battlelines becomes a primary way God reshapes us. Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), not because we always succeed, but because in the work itself, we are being shaped into His likeness.
We don’t remain alone. As we practice this in our homes, churches, and workplaces, we recognize others doing the same and feel the quiet relief of not being alone. These friends matter, keeping our heads above water when we’re overwhelmed and helping us take courage when we feel alone. They challenge us when we drift. They remind us that faithfulness is possible, even when we’re outnumbered.
As Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Communities begin to change. What begins with a few people making different choices becomes a shared culture. Conflicts begin to change, and what once felt unusual becomes normal. Newcomers sense it, and those who have been there longer can name it. This is what happens when the seed of Romans 12:18 takes root: “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” It grows into a harvest of righteousness sown in peace (James 3:18).
When It Doesn’t Seem to Work
But let’s be honest. Life doesn’t always work out this way.
Sometimes you start alone and stay alone. At other times, the conflict is so personal, so layered, that clarity feels out of reach.
You’re not seeing change. You’re just trying to keep things from getting worse.
You’re choosing to pray for someone who has hurt you when you want retaliation. You choose honest conversation when it would be easier to withdraw. You choose love when confronted with anger and bitterness. Nothing around you is changing for the better.
And Yet, The Work Still Works
And yet, even there, the work still works.
When we do the work without seeing results, we walk in faith-filled integrity before God. This “long obedience in the same direction” is key to becoming the kind of person who reflects Christ, whether anyone else responds or not. Obedience to God is not wasted, even when others do not see it, because our Father who dwells in secret sees (Matthew 6:4).
The call of Jesus is not dependent on outcomes. We are not promised that every conflict will be resolved, every relationship will heal, or every system will change. We are called to be faithful, to take the log out, to see clearly, and to love others well.
So does it really work? It does. It works in us and between us. And by God’s grace, it works beyond what we can see.
Keith Myer is the Matthew 5:9 Outreach Manager.
He has been a pastor serving in the Southern Baptist Convention for over twenty years, most recently at Harvest Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland. He serves as a trustee of Gateway Seminary in California, as the Associational Missionary for the Eastern Baptist Association, and as the Chair of the BCM/D Sexual Abuse Reform Task Force. The BCM/D Task Force’s work has been incorporated into the SBC’s national response, specifically the 5 Essentials of Train, Screen, Protect, Report, & Care, and the Pathways implementation curriculum.
Jesus’ ministry of peacemaking thrives on trust, transparency, and strong relationships, and so Keith has worked hard to listen and build coalitions that can produce positive change. He enjoys reading and spending time with Nancy, his boys, and their two dogs. He knows with certainty that Coke is better than Pepsi, Dunkin is superior to Starbucks, and The Empire Strikes Back is the best Star Wars movie and the best sci-fi movie ever made.
Keith has an M.Div from Columbia International University and an M.B.A. in Leadership from Liberty University.
