Peace is the state of harmony or tranquility. Jesus wants us to live in peace with one another. He said in Mark 9: 50 have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another. However, not all relationships can be peaceful.
Upon this knowledge Jesus said in Matthew 18: 15-17 if another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone… if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Types of peace
There are two types of peace. The first type is physical peace usually known as wealth, money, power, fame, etc. This is ephemeral and not eternal. Many have money, etc. but cannot sleep or are still restless and dissatisfied in life. Jesus asked in Matthew 16: 26; Mark 8: 36; Luke 9: 25 for what shall it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
The second type of peace is the peace of God. Jesus said in John 14: 27 peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Jesus clearly distinguishes worldly peace from God’s peace which is eternal and not only for the mind but the soul as well. The peace of God shows his presence with us. Judges 6: 24 says the LORD is peace. This must not be compromised by a sinful life.
How to be at peace
We must return to God who is the giver of peace. He is referred to in Isaiah 9: 6 as Prince of Peace. This confirms that God is the embodiment of peace. By acknowledging this fact, Numbers 6: 26 says the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Only God and Christ Jesus can give us peace. We must therefore submit to God’s peace. The Lord said in Isaiah 60: 17 I will appoint Peace as your overseer and righteousness as your taskmaster. Let God appoint his peace to oversee our affairs.
We must always agree with God. Job 22: 21 says agree with God, and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. To have peace with others, we must first have God’s peace within us. We can only achieve that if we agree with God on his will for us at every moment of our lives. The submission must not be false but honest and sincere. Jesus said in Matthew 5: 37 let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’, anything more than this comes from the evil one.
We must love God’s law, commandment, word or instructions. Psalms 119: 165 says great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. We are consumed by fear, or anxiety. What we need is the word of God to assure us of God’s presence, hence his peace. When we have God’s laws in our hearts, peace will be a natural product. God’s covenant with us is peace, Isaiah 54: 10. Therefore Jesus in Luke 1: 79 is to guide our feet into the way of peace.
We must keep God’s righteousness. Isaiah 32: 17 says the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. God wants us to live the word and not merely know it which is not enough. Mathew 5: 48 says be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Perfection comes through righteousness in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3: 5 says let the peace of Christ rule your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
We must live in Christ Jesus. It is only in Christ Jesus that peace is assured. He said in John 16: 33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. The apostle Paul had this to say in Romans 5: 1 for while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. The absence of Jesus in our lives makes us weak in the spirit. We are thus unable to bring the peace of Christ into our relationships. submit God’s peace. We must make efforts to achieve peace. Hebrews 12: 14 says pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
God’s nature is peace and we must be committed to achieving God’s nature. Paul wrote in Romans 12: 18 if it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Is it possible for us to settle our disputes amicably because of Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, let your peace rule in our hearts, to which we have been called. May your peace which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May you rule in our hearts so we will experience your joy and contentment and everlasting peace. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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