We could all use more peace—in our own lives, in our relationships with others, in our dealings with other nations. But how do we fi nd such peace? Look to the Bible for answers.
Here are three practical aspects of peace that the Bible o ffers.
1. Peace of Mind. Just as planted seed is bound to grow, so the things of God implanted within our spirits will bring forth God’s harvest of peace and joy and many other good things. “ …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” (Galatians 5:22).
I once met a man who had this statement printed on the back of his business card:
“Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply; expect little; give much; Fill your heart with love; scatter sunshine. Forget self. Think of others, and do as you would be done by. Try it for one week—you will be surprised.” That man knew the peace of God. You will feel it more deeply yourself if you will write those words on your own card, read them every day, and put them into practice.
2. Peace with Others. God does not give us His peace to hoard in our hearts until it grows stale. As with all His gifts, peace is meant to be shared. And only as we share it, do we truly have it. God’s call for us to put His peace into practice in our association with others is summed up in Roman 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” What a wonderful formula for peace!
If someone says something unkind about you, don’t brood about it. Ask yourself if there is any truth in it. If there is, be thankful for the criticism. Then pray for your critic and do him or her an act of kindness. And you will feel better, and be better, for it.
3. Peace on Earth. While the peace that God promises is primarily an inner blessing, it is meant to be spread around the world. The Bible states that war will end eventually and everyone will live without fear of violence or disaster (Isaiah 32:17).
Let us pray that nations will not be torn apart, but will learn to live in harmony and righteousness as foretold by the prophets of the Bible.
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