The city near us has seen rioting for over 60 nights. The media photos look like a war. I ache for all those involved and affected. One of our sons works in an area a short distance from the center of the violence. When I asked him if he is alright, he said the hardest thing for him is seeing the hopeless homeless people camping out, some literally on the doorstep of his business. Yesterday he saw huge rats running among the homeless camps on his way to work. He said it ruined his whole day to see this sad situation. Heartache is everywhere we look. Things we took for granted have dissolved before our very eyes. Institutions that we thought would always serve us are closing their doors. Many schools in our area won’t be opening this Fall which affects our grandchildren. Some churches are closed. Our own church has very low attendance. It’s almost eerie sitting in a large auditorium with only a fraction of normal attendees. I miss the hugs and handshakes that used to be so plentiful at church, but are now taboo. Every day I thank God I have a loving husband to spend my days at home with when many people are alone. So let’s talk about peace.
Peace with God
Peace in the world begins with peace in my heart. The heart of what’s wrong with our world is a heart problem. Politics, good vibes, or positive thinking won’t fix what’s wrong. We human beings are naturally at war with God. We want to do things our way and not be told what to do. We are all rebels. Any parent with a toddler can affirm this. “No!” is a word we all learn at a young age.
“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Romans 8:6-8
Lasting peace comes from hearts at peace with God. No external factor can bring peace to our hearts. Our rebel hearts have to bow to God and admit we need Jesus.
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1
Peace from God
Trouble is inevitable in our lives. But difficulties don’t have to steal our peace of mind. That unexplained pain that won’t go away, a family member who is making bad choices, the month longer than the paycheck, relational conflict can steal our peace if we allow it and then fear takes over our thinking. “What if?” But if we take our problems to God, as well as gratefully acknowledge how he has helped us in the past, he will supernaturally give us his own peace. His peace will protect our emotions and our thinking as we do what we know is right.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9
Peace with others
We mustn’t react to other’s hateful words or actions with more hate. The unique mark of Jesus’ followers is love. We are called to be different than those that don’t know God. Everyone can pay back evil for evil. It takes God’s help to respond with kindness. When we react with a blessing, we get a blessing from God.
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 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.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:9-12 quoting Psalm 34:12-15
In order to promote peace, we have to check our own hearts.
What are our hidden agendas? Are our motives pure? Or do we simply want to prove ourselves right?
Are we willing to work and sacrifice for peace?
Are we gentle with those we disagree with?
Are we willing to look at the situation from their viewpoint?
Can we give the benefit of the doubt to others? Can we try to put ourselves in their shoes?
Are we willing to serve and care for others, investing time into relationships?
Can we see the good in those we disagree with? Can we see the faults in those we agree with?
Are we truly looking out for others and wanting their best, even if it costs us?
“For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:15-18
However, we never sacrifice truth for peace. Peace at any cost isn’t a principle from God’s word. In fact, speaking and living true to God’s principles can actually create conflict in our lives. We have to be both kind and brave. I especially have trouble with the brave part.
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:10-12
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” 1 Peter 3:13-17
Peace with God
Peace from God
Peace with others