“…God has called you to peace. ” (1 Corinthians 7:15, ESV)
The kind of peace to which I intend to focus our mind here is the peace which the “God of peace” gives. It is a gift which He bestows on those who have a vital relationship with Him and whose trust is in Him.
“Peace”, as translated from the Hebrew word ‘shalom’ (Old Testament) and the Greek word ‘eirene’ (New Testament) have similar and extraordinarily rich variety of meanings. “Wholeness”, "prosperity" and “completeness” are some all-encompassing words that have been used to define it.
The term “peace of God” reminds us to distinguish between the peace that God gives and the peace the world gives. “While people [in the world] are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them…” (1 Thessalonians 5:3, ESV). But Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV).
Before a person can walk in the peace of God, and partake of that inward experience that is not troubled by external disturbances, they have to first be at peace with God.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
The peace of God transcends mere concord, i.e., the absence of strife, and gives expression to that place, time, and condition in which righteousness, love, truth, moral uprightness, and more, reigns. It encloses material prosperity, physical safety, and spiritual well-being in its deep meaning – “which surpasses all understanding”.
The peace of God will guard our thoughts & emotions, hearts and minds, the way we think & feel! It does not allow your heart to be torn to shreds by bad news or your mind frayed by fear of harm. Indeed, there is no higher state of grace than to be operating the under the peace of God.
However, “walking in the peace of God” does not end with us receiving and enjoying peace. We must also give evidence that we are children of God by pursuing peace with all people – believers and non-believers alike. “Peace” is the Christian’s godly goal in every relationship. Hence, it is written “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18, ESV; Hebrews 12:14).
Child of God, you are a spiritual peacemaker! God has called you to make & maintain peace, and He will bless you for doing it (Matthew 5:9, AMP).
Jesus Christ the Prince of peace is our peace. He came into the world to create an environment in which peace can thrive. He has given us His peace and given us a mandate to be peacemakers.
Walk in the peace of God by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule your mind and lead you into the truth and along the path of righteousness: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, ESV) You will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33, NLT); even your enemies will be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7, NCV).
May God our gracious Father in Heaven give you light & guide your feet into the way of peace through Christ our Lord. Amen.
