WORK AT LIVING IN PEACE WITH ALL PEOPLE
Those who are at peace with God through faith in Jesus are to pursue living in peace with all people.” Peace is the third member of the first triad of the fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace” (Gal. 5:22). Therefore, peace is one of the key attributes of those who are filled with the Spirit. It is a mark of living the “holy life” and evidence that the Spirit of Christ abides in us.
Although we have peace with God through Christ Jesus, we must pursue it with others. For the world is not at peace with God, therefore it wars against Him and even against itself. We should not be surprised that wars and rumors of wars are the news of the day. For the hearts of those in this world are filled with internal strife.
Pursuing peace, we can make it our goal to live a quiet life and not to meddle in the affairs of others. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live” (1 Thess. 4:11-12).
Yet when we do open our mouths, we are to speak as ministers of the “gospel of peace” (Eph.6:15). For God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and He has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor.5:18).
Are you pursuing peace with all people today? Especially those who might be considered enemies?
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us where we have been caught up in the warfare of the world. The media constantly reports on bad news and our ears are filled with it. Yet, we would have our hearts and our mouths filled with Your good news and peace. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit today that we might pursue peace with all people. In Jesus’ name, amen.