Peace is Fundamental

BBC Correspondent Mark Simpson tells about a city in Northern Ireland that’s so divided its citizens can’t agree on its name. Some call it Londonderry and others call it Derry.

“At the moment, most Protestants live on the east bank of the River Foyle, most Catholics live on the west bank. Some are reluctant to cross to the other side.”

To help bridge the gap, a new bridge has been built called Peace Bridge. “The new bridge is 312 meters long – around the same length as two and a half football pitches. It is s-shaped, and from above it looks like a massive steel snake.”

“It is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, and stretches from Guildhall Square on the west bank to Ebrington on the east bank.

The question is, Mark asks, “how many people will use it?”

We live today in an increasingly divided and polarized world and country. There is racial division. Political division. Economic division. And religious division.

As we continue our series from Galatians 5:22-23, one of the fundamentals of faith, called “the fruit of the spirit, is peace.

What is Peace?

Often we look at peace in negative terms as the absence of conflict among people. If there are no wars, we say we’re at peace. If a church is at peace, it doesn’t have any major problems.

But peace is more. Much more. Peace is tranquility. Quietude. Security. Safety. A harmonious relationship with both God and men.

Where Does Peace Originate?

The peace of which the Bible speaks is not of human origin. It’s not founded on treaties or based on legal documents, or achieved through restraining orders.

Our Heavenly Father is called “the God of Peace” (1 Thess. 5:23). Jesus Christ, our Savior, is identified as “the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6-7; Lk. 2:14). And the Holy Spirit offers the fruit of peace (Gal. 5:22). This peace is higher, nobler, and Divine in its nature.

When Do We Receive Peace?

“The Gospel of Peace (Eph. 6:15) teaches us that it is through Jesus’ death on the cross that we can access Divine peace (Eph. 2:14-17). When we come to Christ in obedience to the Gospel, we are born again into the Body of the Redeemed. Because our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Ax. 20:28; Rev. 1:5), we can personally enjoy peace of mind, heart, soul and conscience.

How Do We Preserve Peace?

#1 Pursue Peace.

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3:10-11).

Peace as it relates to both God and man does not occur accidently or mysteriously. We must shun evil actions, attitudes, and speech. We must seek God and the will of God. We must choose to live in peace with our brethren, friends, family, and fellow man.

#2 Work to Edify Others.

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19).

Edification involves building up, encouraging, nurturing, strengthening, and promoting spiritual growth. Edification is the opposite of tearing down. Thus it facilitates peace, harmony and good will.

#3 Focus on Righteousness.

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (Jas. 3:18).

Division, discord, disharmony and fighting among folks is because people are engaged in thinking and behaviors that are unrighteous. The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel. When we follow its teaching instead of our feelings, opinions and prejudices then peace will ensue.

#4 Cultivate a Spiritual Mind Set.

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Rom. 8:6).

When we live a Spirit controlled life, we will plant, fertilize and propagate the seed which will produce the fruit of peace.

“Let the peace of God rule in your heart” (Col. 3:15).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman