Peace in a Time of Conflict
For Meditation
When most modern people hear the word “peace,” they think of an inner state of tranquility. Perhaps you visualize a picture of a calm sea or you can smell the scent of your favorite candle. All of those things are peaceful of course, but they don’t quite get at the biblical concept of peace.
Peace is one of those massive words in the Bible that comes up again and again. In the Old Testament, peace is that wonderful word Shalom, which means “wholeness,” well-being, and contentment in relationship with God, others and creation. Shalom is “the way things are meant to be.” In the New Testament, the word peace is often used to describe the accomplishment of Jesus Christ’s atoning work for us. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” writes Paul in Romans 5:1. Peace is a once-for-all accomplishment of grace. But peace is also spoken of as an inner state of well being that is able to endure despite painful circumstances, as Paul describes it in Phil 4:6-7. “And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Finally, and probably most in tune with what Paul has in mind in his list of the fruit of the Spirit, peace is a responsibility of Christians to practice and pursue. There are many, many instances of Paul directing us to seek peace with one another. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). Practicing peace is the way we resolve conflict, speak truth to one another in love, refuse gossip and slander, apologize and take responsibility quickly, bear the wrongs of others, and so on. You get the point! The fruit of the Spirit of peace is less about inner calm and more about our behavior towards one another, as we seek to embody the way of Jesus.
In an age of insurmountable conflict, conflict both within ourselves and in our community and world, one of the most powerful ways we can bear witness to Jesus is through living as people of peace. As you prepare for worship this week, read through Romans 14-15 and note all of Paul’s references to peace, and pray that God would make our church community a community of peace.
Galatians 5:22–23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
John 14:25–27
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 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.”