Joel Osteen Podcast: “Be A Peacemaker” with Victoria Osteen – Summary

In the February 1, 2025 episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast, titled “Be A Peacemaker”, Victoria Osteen delivers a heartfelt and insightful message centered on the biblical principle of peacemaking. This episode explores the significance of cultivating inner peace, the power of being a peacemaker in daily interactions, and the transformative blessings that come from choosing peace over conflict.

1. Embracing the Role of a Peacemaker

Victoria Osteen begins her message by emphasizing the profound blessing associated with being a peacemaker. She references Matthew 5:9, where Jesus states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God” ([02:26]). Victoria contrasts this with the common desire to control situations or always be right, highlighting that true blessedness lies in the willingness to foster peace.

Notable Quote:
"It doesn't say blessed are the people who can control the situation and make it go their way... It says those who are willing to be peacemakers can walk in the blessings of God." ([02:26])

2. Personal Anecdote: Choosing Peace Over Argument

Victoria shares a personal story involving an interaction between her and Joel Osteen at an event. A passionate individual approached them, trying to persuade Joel to adopt his viewpoint. Despite the man's intensity, Joel chose to maintain peace rather than engage in a debate to prove him wrong.

Notable Quote:
"Victoria, he said, I wasn't put on this earth to straighten everybody out. I would rather hold my peace than prove him wrong." ([05:15])

This incident underscores the strength required to prioritize peace over being right, illustrating how such choices lead to a more harmonious and blessed life.

3. Biblical Foundations for Peace

Victoria delves into the biblical basis for peacemaking, citing Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ([04:10]). She explains that maintaining peace does not equate to compromising one’s beliefs or becoming a doormat. Instead, it involves being sensitive to when a conversation is turning negative and choosing to respond with calmness and stability.

Notable Quote:
"When you allow other people to be right, it doesn't make you wrong. It makes you a peacemaker." ([03:45])

4. The Power of Inner Peace

Victoria highlights that peace is an inner state rather than a mere absence of conflict. She describes peace as a gift from God that empowers individuals to remain calm and composed even in the midst of storms and challenges.

Notable Quote:
"Peace is an inner being. It is something that controls us during conflict. It controls us in the storm." ([07:30])

She encourages listeners to cultivate this inner peace through a relationship with God, regular prayer, and meditation on His Word. By doing so, individuals can navigate life's challenges with grace and assurance that God is ultimately in control.

5. Overcoming Strife and Conflict

Victoria addresses the prevalence of violence, conflict, and gossip in the world, emphasizing that choosing peace counters these negative forces. She explains that engaging in strife leads to confusion, suspicion, and bitterness, whereas maintaining peace fosters harmony and blessings.

Notable Quote:
"Strife just goes on and on. So you can, today, if you're even in strife with somebody, you can say, I'm putting a line in the sand. Strife is not for me anymore." ([09:50])

6. Practical Steps to Becoming a Peacemaker

Victoria offers actionable advice for listeners aspiring to become peacemakers:

• Stay Connected to God’s Peace: Regularly engage in prayer and reading the Bible to strengthen inner peace.
• Respond with Calmness: In tense situations, choose to radiate calmness and stability instead of reacting with anger or defensiveness.
• Avoid Proving Right: Prioritize harmony over winning arguments, understanding that relinquishing the need to be right fosters peace.
• Guard Against Strife: Recognize when conversations are escalating and take steps to de-escalate by maintaining peace.

Notable Quote:
"You have control because you have peace. Peace comes by knowing God, by reading His Word, peace comes by meditating." ([10:10])

7. Conclusion: Walking in Blessings through Peace

Victoria concludes by reaffirming that choosing peace aligns individuals with God’s blessings and purposes. She encourages listeners to actively maintain and make peace a cornerstone of their lives, assuring them that God supports and protects those who walk in peace.

Notable Quote:
"When you are in peace, maintaining peace, you are his. I can tell you something, that God is not going to let you out of his sight." ([12:50])

Final Reflections

Throughout the episode, Victoria Osteen masterfully blends personal anecdotes, biblical teachings, and practical advice to illustrate the profound impact of being a peacemaker. She underscores that peace is not passive but a deliberate choice that leads to a life filled with God’s blessings and harmony.

For listeners seeking to enhance their relationships and overall well-being, Victoria's message is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in fostering peace and allowing God’s peace to guide and sustain them through life's challenges.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.” ([02:26])
• “I wasn't put on this earth to straighten everybody out. I would rather hold my peace than prove him wrong.” ([05:15])
• “When you allow other people to be right, it doesn't make you wrong. It makes you a peacemaker.” ([03:45])
• “Peace is an inner being. It is something that controls us during conflict. It controls us in the storm.” ([07:30])
• “Strife just goes on and on. So you can, today, if you're even in strife with somebody, you can say, I'm putting a line in the sand. Strife is not for me anymore.” ([09:50])
• “You have control because you have peace. Peace comes by knowing God, by reading His Word, peace comes by meditating.” ([10:10])
• “When you are in peace, maintaining peace, you are his. I can tell you something, that God is not going to let you out of his sight.” ([12:50])

This episode serves as a compelling guide for anyone looking to embrace peace in their lives, offering both spiritual insights and practical steps to become a true peacemaker in a tumultuous world.