When relational conflict occurs, peacemakers value the relationship more than being right. Though conflict in relationships is inevitable, seeking to make peace is an act of honor and worship towards God.

Jesus wants pure hearts, not better behavior. And only Jesus can change our heart to make it pure. It is not enough to merely do the right things externally; we can do good things for the wrong reasons. Jesus is concerned that our thoughts, motives, and emotions behind our choices and actions align with His heart and character. He longs to give us a new heart and to put a new spirit in us. Jesus desires to give us a pure heart if we will cry out to Him and confess our need for His help, that we are powerless to change our own hearts.

Mercy is as mercy does. More than a mere feeling or mindset, mercy is sympathy in action. Because we’ve been blessed by the mercy of God, we find joy and abundant life in extending mercy to others. Mercy is relieving the distress of others, showing kindness to our enemies, and forgiving those who stumble or fall.

Deeply satisfied are those who pursue (hunger and thirst) Jesus first and foremost. Although many, if not most, of us doubt the idea of truly being satisfied, we all pursue satisfaction in different arenas of life. But what if we’re looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places? Jesus tells us those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be truly satisfied.