Introduction
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in a world that often seems to thrive on conflict and chaos. The Bible teaches us about the importance of peace and how it can bring strength to our lives.
In this blog post, we will explore the strength of peace in the Bible and how it can impact our daily lives.
Peace in the Old Testament
The concept of peace is prominent throughout the Old Testament. In the book of Isaiah, we read about a time when the Messiah would bring peace to the world: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV). This verse describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace, the one who would bring lasting peace to the world.
In addition, the Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” is used throughout the Old Testament to describe a sense of completeness, wholeness, and well-being. For example, in Psalm 29:11, we read, “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Here, peace is associated with strength, as it is a blessing from the Lord that can strengthen us in difficult times.
Furthermore, the prophet Jeremiah spoke of the peace that comes from trusting in the Lord: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Jeremiah 26:3 NKJV). This verse reminds us that when we trust in God, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding, which can give us the strength to face any challenge.
Peace in the New Testament
The New Testament continues the theme of peace found in the Old Testament, but now it is centered on the person of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the peace that He gives to His followers: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV). Here, Jesus promises to give us a peace that is different from the peace that the world offers. His peace can calm our troubled hearts and give us strength to face any difficulty.
The apostle Paul also wrote about the peace that comes from knowing Christ: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 NKJV). This verse reminds us that through faith in Christ, we can have peace with God, which is the foundation of all other peace in our lives. When we have peace with God, we can experience the strength that comes from knowing that He is on our side.
Furthermore, Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to focus on the peace that comes from God: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). This passage reminds us that when we pray to God, He can give us a peace that goes beyond our understanding, which can guard our hearts and minds in difficult times.
The Strength of Choosing Peace
The Bible teaches us that choosing peace can bring strength to our lives. In Psalm 34:14, we read, “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” This verse encourages us to actively pursue peace
Choosing peace requires us to make intentional decisions in our relationships, our words, and our actions. In Romans 14:19, Paul wrote, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Pursuing peace and building up others through our words and actions can bring strength to our relationships and our communities.
Jesus also taught that peacemakers are blessed: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV). This beatitude reminds us that when we make peace, we are reflecting the character of God, who desires peace in our lives and in our world.
Furthermore, choosing peace can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being. In Proverbs 12:20, we read, “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.” When we choose peace, we can experience joy and contentment, which can strengthen us to face challenges.
Overcoming Conflict with Peace
Conflict is inevitable in life, but the Bible teaches us how to overcome it with peace. In Romans 12:18, Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This verse encourages us to strive for peace in our relationships, even when it is difficult.
Jesus also taught that we should seek reconciliation with others: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV). This passage reminds us that when there is conflict in our relationships, we should prioritize reconciliation and seek peace.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches us to respond to conflict with kindness and forgiveness. In Colossians 3:12-13, Paul wrote, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Responding to conflict with kindness and forgiveness can bring healing to our relationships and give us strength to move forward.
The Ultimate Peace
The Bible teaches us that the ultimate peace will come when Jesus returns and establishes His kingdom on earth. In Revelation 21:4, we read, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” This verse describes a future where there will be no more pain or sorrow, but only perfect peace.
Until that day comes, we can hold onto the promise of peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” This verse reminds us that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can have peace in Christ, who has already overcome the world.
Conclusion
The strength of peace in the Bible is clear. Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a sense of completeness and well-being that comes from trusting in God. Choosing peace, pursuing reconciliation, responding to conflict with kindness and forgiveness, and holding onto the promise of ultimate peace can bring strength to our lives and relationships.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in a world that often values power and domination over peace and reconciliation. May we be inspired by the strength of peace found in the Bible, and may we seek to live peaceably with all those around us. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
