It is becoming harder and harder to make peace or live in peace. Lately it seems like the whole world is at odds with each other. The Psalmist wrote these words “ I am for peace but when I speak they are for war.” Psalm 120:7. There’s so much bitterness and rancor that it’s hard to even have a civil discussion with anyone. It’s the “agree with me or else I’ll destroy you” mentality, that is being foisted on neighbors, family and friends. In spite of all this happening around us, even in our places of worship, the Lord has called His children to lead the way of peace. Amos asked a great question. He asked “ How can two people walk together except they are in agreement?” Amos 3:3. Jesus said a divided kingdom will come to ruin. Matthew 12:25. So it’s safe to say wherever we find disagreement and hostility, with no room for reconciliation or a peaceful solution, there will be devastating consequences.
Jesus in the sermon on the Mount gave a description of what happens in the life of a person who pursues peace:
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NLT
So what are those who stir the pot of anger and unforgiveness called? I’ll leave you to answer that. The writer of Hebrews implored us to pursue peace with all men.
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Psalms 34:14 NLT
“For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
1 Peter 3:10-11 NLT
Living in peace with each other is a prerequisite for being called children of God. Learning to appreciate differing opinions, without demanding our own way, will lead to peace. During last year's election, whole families were turned against each other, friendships were destroyed because people couldn’t accept people’s right to make their own decisions about who to vote for. I see the same thing about to happen with the vaccines. We cannot make peace if we are not willing to agree to disagree. But as Christians we’re called to not only seek peace, but to pursue it. This may involve giving up our right to be right without compromising our biblical values. Everything is not worth an argument and the ensuing cost. We have to do what Jesus did. Know when to exercise shut mouth grace. There are some things that are just not worth losing our peace over.
Paul said “if it’s possible” that means there will be times when it’s not. We won’t always win the war, but we can win the battle. We have to use wisdom and discernment to know when to walk away if we’re unable to diffuse the situation.
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Romans 12:9-21 NLT
Great advice for the days we’re living in. The anger meter is highly contagious especially among the young adults who thrive on social media and want to fit in or be accepted. The rage that we’re seeing from leaders who should know better is disturbing to say the least. But to hear it coming from some pulpits is disgraceful. We’re supposed to be leading the way to peace. We’re supposed to be demonstrating the love of Christ. We’re supposed to be turning the other cheek. Paul said this in talking to the church:
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Galatians 5:13-15 NLT
Beware of destroying one another! If we cannot agree on biblical principles as the body of Christ, what will we find common ground in? If we can’t be at peace with our brothers and sisters how can we be at peace with the world? How can we preach a message of love with hate in our hearts over simple disagreements? In order for God not the world to recognize us as His children, we must endeavor to spread peace wherever we go. We should change the atmosphere whenever we show up, no matter what’s going on. But we must first be submitted to the process of peacemaking. We can’t think and act like the unsaved. We don’t need to fall in line with the agendas that oppose the Word of God, but we must allow the answers of our tongues to come from the Lord. Jesus is our example. He prevented a riot by submitting Himself to a false inquisition based on trumped up charges. He refused to get confrontational with Pilate, He prevented an all out war by healing Malcus’ ear after Peter went gangster in the garden after a prayer meeting.
Establishing an atmosphere of peace rests solely on the one who has the upper hand. We are the ones with the upper hand. We are called to peace, and peacemaking. Blessed, fortunate and to be envied are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. So question for you child of God. Are you out of fellowship with someone who refused to walk in peace, and is disagreeable and self righteous? Forgive for peace sake, so that your witness for Jesus will not be tarnished. They may not change but we must. You may be ridiculed or even be perceived as being weak. Wear it in the Name of Jesus. Peter said they’ll be the ones left feeling foolish.
“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world.”
1 Peter 2:11-12 NLT
If it is possible, live at peace with all people, even the difficult ones. The Lord by His Spirit will provide the grace we need to be peacemakers. Remember we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
July 27, 2021