PEACE
What is peace? Is it just the absence of conflict? No. Peace extends more than just the mere absence of conflict. Peace means tranquility, quietness, freedom from war, etc… It is pretty much the most desired state of mind along with happiness. All humans in this world invariably are in pursuit of peace. Peace is a basic, fundamental human right. But does everyone get peace? No.
There are three types of peace:
1)Inner peace
2) Peace with God
3) Peace with Others
Inner Peace:
Our world is becoming far less peaceful with each passing day. People individually are more restless. They are void of peace and they undertake various means, some radical means even to fill that void and attain peace. But to no avail. What does the Bible and especially the Lord Jesus say about this indispensable commodity? Let’s find out. The Bible says,
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in all ways. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you”. Isaiah 26:3.
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your worries on him because he cares you”.
Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”.
The Lord Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” . John 14:27.
These are the verses that underscore the value that the Bible places on inner peace. Now let’s delve into the second type of peace; Peace with God.
2) Peace with God:
Because of the fall of man( Adam’s sin), we lost our peace with God. The Bible tells us we were once His enemies.(Romans 5:10). But God the Father Made a way for us to have peace with Him. He sent His One and Only Son JESUS, and whosoever put his or her trust on Jesus would be reconciled to the Father and His wrath was satisfied as the Lord Jesus Himself bore that on the cross. This belief in the Gospel ensured friendship with God. Now that we have put our faith in Christ, God views us as though all of us lived the life of Christ. That’s the power of the Gospel and the resulting consequence is the peace we enjoy with God.
3) Peace with others
In the beatitudes(Sermon on the Mount),the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Sons of God”. Matthew 5:9.
Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”.
We as Christians must be peacemakers. That is what our Lord commanded us to do. We should be the first ones to reconcile, to forgive and forget and overlook a mistake made by others. CS Lewis put it this way, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you”.
Christ must be our role model. He was full of love. He did turn the other cheek, but at the same time he boldly resisted and admonished the Pharisees and other religious leaders when necessary. So my beloved, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us adopt a peaceful lifestyle and walk like Christ, leading a self less and peaceable life. Shalom.
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