Love and Politics

What is peace? Is it something to do with Christmas? Is it the end of a war or the lack of fighting? Is it having no worries? Is it the world being happy and working together? Is it an absence of noise and distractions?

All of those things could be defined as peace, because there are different kinds of peace.

Peace, at its simplest, is being at rest. The first and most important kind of peace is being at rest with God. We are all sinners and are therefore enemies of God, who is perfectly sinless (Romans 3:23; 5:10). We gain “peace with God†by putting our trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection to have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:1). If you are a Christian, you have this peace with God.

Usually, when we think of peace, we think of having peace in our circumstances—an absence of stress, worry, and conflict. And the Bible says we should seek that kind of peace in our lives, interactions, and relationships (Romans 12:18; 2 Timothy 2:1-4).

But there is also peace despite our circumstances. A kind of peace we can have even in an exam, a disaster, a heartbreak. This peace comes from knowing Jesus is with us (Matthew 28:20). No matter what good or bad the day might bring, Jesus promises to be with us. Peace is resting in Jesus, trusting Him to work His good kingdom purposes through all the struggles we face (Romans 8:28-39).

Peace from God isn’t like anything the world can give—it’s not having a conflict- and trouble-free life, because the reality is, we will have struggles in this broken world (John 14:27). But, as Christians, we have peace no matter what we face because we belong to Jesus, who is with us now, who is at work in even the hardest of circumstances, and who will one day completely destroy sin and its effects, including suffering and death (Revelation 21:1-5). • Abby Ciona

• When do you feel “at peaceâ€? Why?

• What is your next step in peace? Is it trusting Jesus in order to be at peace with God? (If so, check out our “Know Jesus” page to learn more.) Is it seeking peace with others? Is it finding peace in knowing God is with you?

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. John 14:27 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 2:14-22; 4:1-6; Matthew 22:37-40