“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19). As we begin the holiday season, the concept of peace will occupy a prominent position in public thought. Peace of mind is one of the most needed, and one of the most sought after, attributes of our society. Even the most cursory glance at the newspaper or television news reveals the lack of peace in people’s lives. This lack of peace in our world comes from a lack of genuine spirituality.
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16). Sin creates confusion and destroys peace in our own lives, in our relationship with others and especially in our relationship with God.
What is the way to find peace? The answer is Jesus. “For he himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). When we obey the Gospel and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace. We have peace with God as our sins are forgiven. We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed. We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful, selfish motives and attitudes.
So, peace is something God provides in Christ, but something as well that we must seek. The writer of the Book of Hebrews understood the need for his readers to positively respond in living the Gospel, if peace were to be a reality. Of course, those who reject God’s will, who still live in sin, cannot know God’s peace in Christ. This is why Jesus could say, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can be at peace with Christ, which helps us deal with those who remain in sin, which creates disorder and strife.
What can we do to encourage peace in others? Let them see Christ in you. What kind of example do they see? Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions? What kind of language do you use? Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). To a large extent, how I respond to others determines whether I can find peace with others.
If I have peace through Christ, I should try to be at peace with those around me. There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, will refuse to know peace. However, Christ living in me should make a difference in how I respond to others, in whether or not I have, and share, peace.
