Peace. A word so heavily misunderstood, but so desperately wanted. We all want to feel peace in our lives. We think that peace and happiness will follow if we had this, or we did that, or we met a specific goal or milestone. Peace seems to be that ever-elusive, just-out-of-reach thing we are all seeking. Whoever you are and whatever your walk of life—we all want peace in some form or fashion.
The world has several definitions for peace, but the one that sums it up best is “a state of mutual harmony between people or groups….”
Wouldn’t that be nice?
The ironic thing—the world has been asking for that since the 60s. Peace and love. But since the 1960s alone, there have been 16 different wars worldwide. Some that have ended. Some that continue. According to OurWorldInData.com, over the last year ten years, approximately 21K people per year have been killed in terrorist attacks. Violent crime is skyrocketing. Murder rates are on the rise.
Doesn’t sound like the world really understands how to give peace, does it? After all, we’ve been talking about it for well over 60 years now, and it’s only gotten worse, not better.
We can’t find peace because we’re looking for it in all the wrong places.
We can only find peace in Jesus. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Yet, how can we possibly be peacemakers in a world full of chaos, anger, and divisiveness? And how can we make peace when Jesus also said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33)?
What is a biblical peacemaker? I love the definition that GotQuestions.org gives – “Those who bring the wonderful message of God’s peace to the world are ‘peacemakers,’ and Jesus calls them the ‘children of God.’”
It’s not about making everyone get along—it’s about helping others find the peace that only God can offer. And the peace that only God can offer is a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). It’s a peace rooted in the Savior, not the situation. Those who know this kind of peace can be in the middle of a personal crisis, but still have the heavenly perspective and trust that God is in control. It’s a peace that does not make sense to the world, but it’s a peace that the world stands in awe of, because it’s only seen and experienced through the Holy Spirit.
As we go about our days, what are ways we can be peacemakers? How can we show others the message of God’s peace and help them know and experience this heavenly peace for themselves—no matter what their circumstances?
In James 3:17 – 18, we find a clue. It says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Pastor Charles Stanley said, “God’s wisdom leads to harmony and peace, while human wisdom leads to arrogance and dissension.” So, if we want to show others peace—we must lean on the wisdom of God. We have to pray for God to take the lead in our relationships, so we can be true peacemakers—showing others the Fruits of the Spirit, which are only attainable when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us.
As you go about this month, what are ways you can sow peace in the lives of others? How can you show God’s message of peace in your corner of the world?
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Verse of the Month: Colossians 3:15
Song of the Month: “In Christ Alone,” performed by Newsboys
Recommended Reading: “Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World,” by Max Lucado; “World Changers: How God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things,” by Greg Laurie; “The Spirit Filled Life,” by Charles Stanley
