Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Radiant Living

Finding Peace in a World of Strife

Discord, violence, and constant conflict surround us daily, but I believe the desire for peace and harmony is rooted in our hearts. The words “peace” and “Shalom” carry a profound beauty, reflecting a universal yearning for tranquility. The “Prince of Peace” extends a blessing to those who actively pursue peace, as mentioned in Matthew 5:9.

Understanding the Roots of Strife

Strife, hostility, and violence tear at humanity’s tranquil bands from the expulsion to the Garden to the early narratives of humankind, as seen in Genesis 4:8 and 6:11. James 4:1-3 emphasizes that conflict is consistently connected to sinful self-will. Galatians 5:19-21 further underscores this, revealing that 9 out of 17 “works of the flesh” involve sins linked to discord.

A Remedy for Strife

To address the root cause of strife, we turn to the gospel, where Galatians 5:22,23 reveals peace as a fruit of the Spirit. Isaiah 48:22 warns that the pursuit of peace is ultimately empty without God. Reconciliation, born from the gospel, begins with surrendering to the reign of Christ in our hearts. Described as the “good news” of peace in Luke 2:14, the Gospel brings about the highest form of peace – the reconciliation between man and God (Romans 5:1). It also fosters inner and interpersonal peace (Philippians 4:6,7; James 3:13-18).

Manifestations of Peaceful Relationships

Acting as agents of God’s peace involves more than mere wishes. Matthew 10:34-39 highlights Jesus prioritizing truth over peace, while James 3:17 outlines godly wisdom, emphasizing purity before peace. Crying “Peace, peace!” falsely, as cautioned in Jeremiah 6:14, is to be avoided. Instead, active pursuit of peace, in line with Hebrews 12:14, and aspiring to lead quiet, peaceable lives, as urged in 1 Timothy 2:2, become our calling.

Building Bridges, Not Troubles

Our homes should be havens of peace, guided by Proverbs 11:29; 15:17; 17:1. Within the congregational relationship, peace should prevail, according to Romans 14:19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:13. This commitment extends to our communities, nations, and personal relationships. Are we builders of bridges or creators of trouble? Achieving peace demands effort, willingness to take risks, and making sacrifices. Our influence becomes a tool for actively creating peace. Personal evangelism, rooted in the gospel, emerges as the ultimate source of peace.

Embracing the Good Life Through Peace

The peace that emanates from godliness is an integral part of the “good life,” as stated in 1 Peter 3:10,11. Striving to “live peaceably with all men,” as encouraged in Romans 12:18, positions us as beacons of light in a world overshadowed by darkness and strife.

‌~PW 🌮🛶