Peaceful / Peaceable | Imitate Series
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Peace is a precious commodity that is extremely rare and highly sought-after in this world, however we as a society, seem to be unable to hold on to any substantial peace.
With much chaos, hurt and destruction in this world, sometimes the idea of knowing peace is a fleeting concept that seems completely unreachable. However be not dismayed, for the Lord tells us in His Word that He is the only One who can bring forth true, sustaining peace that cannot be taken away. In fact, the Bible says that God’s thoughts towards His people are that of peace.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
It is only through God that we can experience real peace. Now it’s important to note that there are two different kinds of peace – peace that comes from the world – and peace that comes from the Lord. The difference between these types of peace is extremely distinctive. They are polar opposite to each other due to one being carnal, and the other being spiritual.
The only peace this world can offer is temporary and superficial.
The peace that the Lord gives is lasting and authentic.
John 14:27
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.
It’s all too easy for us to let our hearts be troubled and begin to worry about things either that have happened, or may happen – however have you ever noticed that most things we worry may happen, never actually do?
The Lord calls His people to be those who place their trust in Him for their welfare, security and peace because when we trust in Him, He keeps us in perfect peace.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
This peace that Christ gives is one that rules in our hearts, so we no longer need to be overcome by our situation or current circumstances.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
In light of God’s eternal Kingdom, everything in this world is transient and passing, including anything we may be going through, therefore the peace that passes all understanding is one that doesn’t rely on our current situation to be perfect or easy, it is a peace that is supernatural. When we take hold of God’s peace, this will help us to guard our hearts and minds in Christ.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Although it’s inevitable that we will have times of suffering and tribulation, Jesus beautifully conveys to His people that we can take heart because He has overcome this world.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
So to have God’s peace doesn’t mean that everything in our life will be perfect – it means that no matter where we’re at, we can rely on the Lord to comfort, guide, strengthen and bless us with peace.
Psalm 29:11
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
We must also strive to be at peace with those around us – as much as is possible.
Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
This is our Christian mandate of which all believers should aspire to achieve, for it is through peace that holiness shines – and holiness is an absolute necessity in order to see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Let’s have a hand that reaches out – not one that pulls away.
The only way that it’s possible to pursue this peace is by turning away from evil and doing good (1 Peter 3:11). The Christian needs to turn their back on selfish ambition and all the evil that comes along with it, and walk on the ancient paths where the good way is – for it is on this path that we will find rest for our souls (Jeremiah 6:16).
Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
As we turn away from evil and desire to do good, making plans for peace, deceit will fall away and we will be filled with pure joy.
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
It is a beautiful thing to behold when the brethren are mutually edifying one another in the love of the Lord, because instead of looking for the wrong in others, snickering and gossiping, which brings no blessing or unity, we will be a people of love and harmony, pursuing only those things that lead to peace.
Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
The Scripture below powerfully expresses the result of being a peacemaker. You see friend, an abundance of righteousness is implanted in peace by those who make peace. So when we choose to be one who is amicable, soft-hearted and loving towards others, striving for peace and not hostility, we will be sowing a beautiful crop of virtue, decency and uprightness.
James 3:18
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Let’s ask the Lord to help us this very day, to mature in this precious fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), ripening our hearts with a renewed love and readily showing patience for others – overlooking the sins committed against us (1 Peter 4:8) and being a true witness for Christ in our mannerisms, characteristics and actions by not only speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but relaying it through our peaceful conduct.
Let us also ask our heavenly Father to help us find rest for our souls by holding loosely to the things in this vanishing world (1 John 2:17), and holding tightly to our Lord and Saviour who came to set us captives free and release the oppressed (Luke 4:18) – healing the broken-hearted and bandaging our wounds (Psalm 147:3) … allowing us to find refuge under His wings (Psalm 91:4) where we can be restored and live in His perfect peace.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
-- By Jen Ayling