Look around the world and what do you see? War. Attacks. Terror. Fear. Divide. Anger. Conflict. The world doesn't seem to have any peace in it. Yet, Christ came, and He's the Prince of Peace. So why doesn't there seem to be any peace?
The hard truth is that the world doesn't know peace because it doesn't know the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 59:7-8, Romans 3:17). If the world really knew Christ as Lord, they would know a peace that they couldn't fully comprehend because it is too great, according to Philippians 4:6-7.
"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."
This world is full of sinners. We are stubborn, arrogant, hateful, selfish, and so much more. On our own, we find ourselves in more and more conflict rather than in the peace we were searching for. From our selfish desires for our own pleasure and gain, we run into conflict (James 1-3). With Christ, we can have overflowing peace in our hearts.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
It is only because of the Holy Spirit living in us and the power He gives us once we believe that we can have peace (Romans 5:1, John 16:33).
What does peace look like?
The Greek word for peace is eirene. This means "peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord." Peace is the absence of conflict. For us as individuals, peace means lack of conflict within. No more divide between what is right and what is wrong; what we should do and what we shouldn't. To have this peace, we cannot be stuck between our sinful selves and the people God created us to be. We were created perfectly in God's image without sin. It was by our own desires that we sinned and created this chasm between us and God that left us conflict, pulled by both our original godly purpose and our sinful ways and desires. The only way this conflict can be resolved is if we put our faith in Christ. When Christ came down and died for our sins, He created a bridge for that chasm. We no longer have to be pulled in different directions, never feeling completely at peace with ourselves, where we are, and what we're doing. With Christ comes inner peace.
With Christ, we can be at peace in any circumstance because He calms our hearts. As Paul said, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11). We don't need to best of circumstances to feel at peace. As crazy as it sounds, because of Christ in us, we can be in total peace while the world around us is surrounded by chaos.
This peace is created for and available to everyone. We shouldn't live peaceful lives while being content with others living in conflict. We can do what Christ has called us to do by leading lives of peace. Listen to others as they talk. Don't create conflict or drama with people. Be patient. Show compassion. Pray. Be still. Read the Word and know the Word. Defend Truth with love.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:18
