Live In Peace!

March 5, 2026

Live In Peace!

Most of us define “peace” in a way that matches our values, our life-style, and our spirituality.  If someone or something comes along that challenges our definition of peace, we rationalize our perspective and dismiss the other person’s understanding.

Peace is more than the absence of war.  Or on a more personal level, peace is more than the absence of conflict.  Peace is something that I choose.  Peace is something I nurture.  Peace is something I do.

In his letter to the churches in Rome in the first century, the Apostle Paul calls the Christ-followers to live in peace with every person. 

That call would have been a difficult thing to do because the Roman government was persecuting the Christians in that city.  The Roman Emperor and the leaders surrounding him were seen as an evil enemy.

And yet, in Romans 12:18 Paul writes; “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

“All” would include a difficult mother-in-law, a wife having an affair, and a teen-age son challenging his mother.  “All” would include a stubborn neighbor, a friend who betrayed you, and a boss who passed you over for a promotion.  “All” would include the government leader who you believe is leading the nation in the wrong direction, the father who is abusing his young children, and a co-worker who is cheating the company.

We are called to live in peace with all people.  Yes, peace is something more than the absence of war between two nations.  Peace is God’s call on the life of every Christ-follower.  Peace is something we do our best to make in every relationship. 

In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  God’s blessing comes on those who are intentional in initiating peace.  God will come into a special kind of relationship with each person who makes peace in their relationships with people.

In Mark 9:50 Jesus offers the call to be at peace with one another.  Jesus says; “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

The Apostle Paul lifts up the call to live in peace in his second letter to the church in first century Corinth.  In II Corinthians 13:11 Paul writes; “Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell.  Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Our world has slipped into a mindset in which the goal is no longer to live in peace.  Instead, it seems the goal is for you to agree with me.  Too often, the news reports tell us that when people do not agree with one another they resort to violence.  It seems our energy is invested in making everyone agree with me rather than making peace with every one. 

+Where have you pushed so hard to reach a point of agreement with another person that there is no peace in the relationship?

+Where you are investing your time and energy and prayers in making peace in your community?

+Can I make peace with you without agreeing with you?

The Apostle Paul and Jesus call us to make peace with one another.  When we fulfill that calling, our lives and the world will be filled with a little more delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug