What Good Have I Done?

"The Sermon on the Mount," painted by the Danish artist, Carl Heinrich Bloch.

A Three-Step Plan to Becoming a Peacemaker

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."(Matthew 5:9) 

In a world often defined by polarization, outrage, and conflict, the ancient promise delivered on the Mount of Olives resonates with profound relevance: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." During the October 2025 General Conference, Elder Gary E. Stevenson extended a powerful, enduring invitation, urging us to become modern-day peacemakers. Recognizing that peace often seems distant amid global commotion, Elder Stevenson provided clarity by outlining three essential spheres where we can begin our work: in our hearts, in our homes and families, and in our communities.

Elder Stevenson’s counsel reminds us that this crucial work is a personal one. The journey to greater peace begins by transitioning from a participant in the "culture of conflict" to a deliberate builder of bridges. Below, I outline an action plan for applying Elder Stevenson's three points in my own life.

My Personal Peacemaker Action Plan

My plan focuses on taking deliberate, specific steps within each of Elder Stevenson’s three suggested spheres to implement meaningful change.

1. Peacemaking in My Heart (Internal Renewal)

My heart is the foundation of my actions. To align my heart with the principles of peace, I commit to the following internal disciplines:

• Guard Against Criticism: I will change my heart by consciously not criticizing others in my thoughts or words.

• Filter Digital Input: I will avoid social media platforms and content that are critical or abusive, choosing instead to engage only with uplifting content.

• Elevate Language: I will actively use better words when appropriate, recognizing the power of language to build or destroy.

• Control Thought Life: I will focus on stopping unkind, evil, or negative thoughts about other people before they take root.

• Forgive and Release: I will seek out those I feel have abused me or against whom I hold a grudge and work toward genuine forgiveness, releasing the personal burden of resentment.

2. Peacemaking at Home (Family Foundation)

To improve the situation in my home, I will focus on the power of my words and my efforts to understand my family members:

• Speak Only Kindness: I commit to speaking only love and kind things to everyone in my home. I will pause before reacting to ensure my words are constructive, not critical.

• Seek Understanding: I will actively try to understand where others are coming from. This means listening with patience, seeking clarity over winning an argument, and applying the principles of gentleness and meekness.

3. Peacemaking in the Community (External Service)

I will extend the peace established in my heart and home outward into my community through actions of respect and service:

• Serve the Needy: I will actively look for ways to help others in need in my neighborhood or community, volunteering my time and resources.

• Universal Respect: I will always treat others with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or standing in the community, seeing them as children of God.

Conclusion: Lead with an Open Heart

The call to be a peacemaker is an invitation to lead with strength, not weakness. As Elder Stevenson taught, peacemaking requires courage, gentleness, and a refusal to sacrifice principle while still seeking compromise and understanding.

By consistently executing this three-step plan—refining my heart by controlling my thoughts, renewing my home with kind words, and reaching out to my community with respect—I can fulfill my divine role as a builder of peace and draw closer to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Follow-Up Questions for Reflection:

1. What is one specific "digital bridge" you can commit to building this week, and what is one social media habit you will stop?

2. How would practicing "long-suffering" and "meekness" change the next tense discussion you have with a family member?

3. Who is one person you can choose to forgive this week, and what action will you take to "repair and reunite" that relationship?

Keywords: Peacemaking, Forgiveness, Conflict Resolution, Digital Citizenship, Christlike Attributes

# #BlessedAreThePeacemakers, #PeaceBeginsWithMe, #DigitalBridgeBuilding, #ContentionFreeHome, #LeadWithLove

Reference

Stevenson, G. E. (2025, October). Blessed are the peacemakers. General Conference. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Labels: Christlike Attributes, Conflict Resolution, Digital Citizenship, forgiveness, Peacemaking

// posted by John Fisher @ October 27, 2025