(Day 15)
The world also speaks about “peace”,
but they refer to a superficial version of true peace. The only thing that they
are pursuing is to put an end to conflict and war, without really solving the
root of the problem.
We see an example of this in the book
of Jeremiah.
(Jeremiah 6:14-16) They have healed the wound of
my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Were they
ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they
did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at
the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the LORD.
Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient
paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'
The world imposes peace, sometimes even
at the expense of truth and justice. They force the parties in a conflict to
compromise and tolerate each other with their different opinions. But this is
not God’s peace.
The peace that Jesus was talking
about is nothing like the peace we imagine.
(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.
SURPASSES
ALL UNDERSTANDING
Spiritual peace is not conditional to
external circumstances. Spiritual peace comprehends much more that what we can
understand or reason. It comes from the spirit and from faith in God. Jesus
said:
(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.
(Romans 8:5-6) For those who live according
to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live
according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set
the mind on the flesh is death, but to
set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
(Philippians 4:6-9) do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen
in me--practice these things, and the God
of peace will be with you.
Peace begins inside of us. It comes
from doing everything as God commanded. If we are at peace with God, we will
have inner peace. Then that peace is reflected on the outside, and is
transmitted to those around us.
(Romans 14:17-19) For the kingdom of God
 |
| Be a Peacemaker |
Paul explains how we may be
peacemakers:
(Romans 12:10-18) Love one another with
brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in
zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in
tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and
seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony
with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be
wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what
is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all.
The peacemakers shall be called “Sons of God”… because they imitate God.
PRAYER
Lord, I don’t want my peace to depend
on outward circumstances, but that my trust may rest on you. I know that in the
world I will have tribulation, but I will trust in You, because You are in
control and You have overcome the world. I will not be anxious about anything
but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will let my
requests be known to You, Lord. I know that the peace which surpasses all understanding
will guard my heart and my mind.
I will not be forced into tolerance.
I choose to please You, not men. The peace I desire more than anything is to be
in good standing before my God.
Lord, I want to be a peacemaker, so
far as it depends on me. Teach me all the virtues I will need in order to
accomplish it. I want to live as a child worthy of You. Amen.
[John 16:33; Philippians 4:6-9; Romans
12:10-18]
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