Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9, KJV).
Basically, Paul says that peace depends on each of us. It is not something that comes because nations miraculously give up their weapons of mass destruction and stop shooting at each other. If we want the guns to stop firing and the bombs to stop falling, we must first make peace with God, ourselves, and our fellow man on a personal level.
God has already made the first move by sending his son, Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:16-21, KJV).
If we truly want peace, we will come to the light. We will examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 13:5, KJV), and we will make whatever adjustments are necessary (James 1:21-25, KJV). We will learn not only obedience to God, but tolerance for our fellowman. Tolerance does not mean agreement. We can be tolerant and still use the word of God and other peacful means to try to persuade our brother or sister to change their lives in useful ways, but we may not pass judgment on them. Paul asked, “why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.” (Romans 14:10-13, NIV). It is not a desire to show your neighbor how he can change in helpful ways that causes strife. A judgmental attitude that causes you to try to force change on that neighbor produces both domestic disputes and war.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21, NIV).
If we do the will of God we will be at peace with him (Romans 5:1-5; 6:1-4, KJV), ourselves and our fellowman.
Copyright Wes Dawson 2003
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