Peace is the absence of arguing, confusion, contention, differences, dissension, enmity, envy, fear, fighting, hostilities, perturbation, quarreling, resentment, strife, tension, worry, etc.
Peace is the presence of amity, calmness, concord, harmony, hope, quietness, serenity, tranquility, undisturbed state, friendliness, etc.
Jesus made peace between God and us by His substitutionary death to reconcile us to Him, but we are speaking in this study of peace with others (Col 1:20; Eph 2:13-18; II Cor 5:19).
Some people grow up in a culture of unrest, so they have never really experienced peace.
They grew up in a house where parents yelled at each other and at the children often.
They grew up where criticizing, debating, or teasing was allowed or even encouraged.
They grew up where people were mad at each other and full peace was never reached.
They grew up in a house where no one communicated well, leaving confusion and fear.
They grew up in a home where there was a regular cold war of bitterness and grudges.
They grew up in a home where there was little intimacy, leaving them fearful and lonely.
The blessing of peace
A dry morsel and quietness is better than a house full of sacrifices with strife” (Prov 17:1).
Lost in the woods or the attic is better than a brawling or contentious woman (Pr 21:9,19).
A sweet blessing is to die in peace, which is what God promised to Abraham (Gen 15:15).
Consider peace in a soul … in a marriage … in a family … in a church … in a business, etc.
The possession of one or more of these peaceful relationships is a wonderful blessing in life.
God the Holy Spirit gloriously described church unity in beautiful words (Psalm 133:1-3).
When at peace, your heart, mind, and soul are freed for positive, productive thoughts – for the lack of peace keeps the heart, mind, and soul disturbed with anger, fear, confusion, etc.
Our God is a God of peace, and the lack of peace grieves the Spirit (Eph 4:30; I Thess 5:19).
The duty of peace
James gives one of the best and starkest contrasts between two lifestyles (James 3:13-18).
Our Father expects us to sacrifice even good in our pursuit of peace and joy (Rom 14:16-19).
Our Father expects us to live in unity and receive one another as He did us (Rom 15:5-7).
We are to endeavor through humility and love to maintain the Spirit’s unity (Eph 4:1-3).
God blesses those who love peace and create peace by godliness (I Pet 3:10-12; Ps 34:12-16).
When Jesus comes for His saints, will you be found in peace (II Pet 3:14)? Even tonight?
Paul suggested one of the best ways to help your pastor … be at peace (I Thess 5:12-13).
God challenges us to exercise every bit of strength we have toward peace (Rom 12:18).
We are to walk in the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit includes much peace (Gal 5:22-26).
What hinders peace?
It is not that everyone gets with it and never offends or irritates you! But how do you react?
Every man’s nature is warlike; some more than others; some do not rule their spirits.
Envy hinders peace, because it resents another’s abilities, blessings, position, etc.
Pride hinders peace, because it seeks inordinate affection and attention, rather than giving it.
Bitterness, or any unresolved conflict, leads to envy, grudges, or resentment of others.
How to be a peacemaker
Peace is a wonderful thing, but it will only exist if you work for it with great effort.
You must keep your mind stayed on the LORD Jehovah for peace in your soul (Is 26:3-4).
God has the desire and power to give you great peace (Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:6-7).
You must be at peace in your heart and soul, before you will ever make peace with others.
You must discern, examine, resolve and settle differences for peace with others (Eph 4:1-3).
A wife can be a great peacemaker by cheerfully agreeing and submitting to her husband.
A husband can be a great peacemaker by being a conflict resolution manager of differences.
If you offend another, then go … if you have been offended, go (Matt 5:23-25; 18:15-17).
Solomon gave specific advice for gloriously dealing with transgressions by others (Pr 19:11).
Rather than let another defeat your peace, overcome them by goodness (Romans 12:16-21).
Conclusion:
Is there any conflict or strained relationship in your life? Go! Corrrect it! Now! Make peace today!
God will bless all peacemakers, for they give the evidence of being the children of God (Matt 5:9).
