For the past two weeks, we have looked at two of the most important aspects of Peace. First and foremost, we considered our most critical need, and that is to remove our “alienation from God” by being “justified by faith” so that we can have “Peace with God” through “faith in Christ.” As the Apostle Paul wrote,

“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Having found “Peace with God,” it is critical that we also experience the “Peace of God” that will calm our worries and take away our fears as we learn to walk with Him each and every day. Last week, we were reminded of Jesus’ words when He said,

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

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Today, I want to conclude our series on “Peace” by focusing on having “Peace in our Relationships.” At the outset, I’m reminded of the words of King David as he encouraged the nation to,   

 “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

This is not a passive hope, but an active effort, seeking peace in every aspect of our lives. This pursuit requires intentional choices to embrace goodness and turn away from evil as David encouraged all of us to do. David’s son, Solomon also informs us that,

“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20).

Choosing to promote peace in our relationships cultivates a sense of joy in our own hearts and in the lives of those around us. I find it interesting that “peace” immediately follows “joy” in Paul’s list of the “Fruits of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22).

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the gathered crowd,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus did not call “peace-lovers” or “peace-keepers” blessed, but only those who actively pursue peace in their relationships. Those who strive to make peace are blessed and recognized as God’s children.

The Apostle Paul echoes the same in his letter to the church in Rome, mentioning it twice in the same letter,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

“Make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19).

And in his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul exhorted the church to,

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3)

Friends, we all have a responsibility to contribute to peace in all of our relationships. While we cannot control others, we can control our own attitudes and actions. As we have all experienced, there will be some people who do not desire peace, but we are still called to do our utmost to make peace with them.

We are to actively work toward unity among believers simply because peace is essential to maintain harmony within the Body of Christ. Living in peace with our brothers and sisters in the faith should be foremost in our hearts and minds, and if we are going to be “peacemakers” as Jesus commands us to be, then we must adhere to Paul’s admonishment to the Christians in Colossae,

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).

Each of us can be “agents of peace” if we are intentional about it. May we be reminded that genuine peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is an active choice to pursue peace in all our relationships, reflecting God’s love in all we say and do. So let’s get to it! And become the “peacemakers” that Jesus calls us to be!