SpiriseBible
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
Peace doesn't just happen—it must be pursued. The word "follow" in this verse means to chase, to hunt, to pursue aggressively. In a world torn by conflict, from international wars to family feuds, God calls His children to be active peacemakers. This isn't passive avoidance of conflict but purposeful work to create harmony. Jesus pronounced special blessing on peacemakers, calling them "children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Understanding Biblical Peace
Peace in Scripture means more than absence of conflict:
Shalom: The Hebrew concept encompasses wholeness, completeness, harmony, and flourishing relationships.
Reconciliation: "All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Unity: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Peace creates genuine oneness.
Right relationships: "First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Matthew 5:24). Peace prioritizes restored relationships.
Why Pursue Peace?
Scripture gives compelling reasons:
God commands it: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). It's not optional.
We represent the God of peace: "Now the God of peace be with you all" (Romans 15:33). Our peacemaking reflects His character.
Unity witnesses to the world: "That they all may be one... that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21).
Bitterness destroys: "Looking diligently... lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:15).
Peace enables growth: "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:18).
Barriers to Peace
What prevents peace in relationships?
- Pride: "Only by pride cometh contention" (Proverbs 13:10). Pride refuses to admit wrong or compromise.
- Anger: "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (James 1:20)
- Unforgiveness: Holding grudges perpetuates conflict
- Gossip: "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth" (Proverbs 26:20)
- Selfishness: Insisting on our own way destroys harmony
- Misunderstanding: Poor communication breeds conflict
- Past wounds: Unhealed hurts sabotage peace efforts
Practical Steps to Pursue Peace
1. Start with God: "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Vertical peace enables horizontal peace.
2. Examine yourself first: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). Take responsibility for your part.
3. Go quickly: "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him" (Matthew 5:25). Don't let conflicts fester.
4. Speak truth in love: "Speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Balance honesty with kindness.
5. Listen actively: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). Understand before seeking to be understood.
6. Forgive freely: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).
7. Seek common ground: Focus on shared values and goals rather than differences.
Peacemaking Strategies
Biblical approaches to conflict resolution:
For personal conflicts: Follow Matthew 18:15-17:
- Go privately first
- Bring witnesses if needed
- Involve church leadership if necessary
- Treat unrepentant people with love but boundaries
For misunderstandings:
- Clarify intentions
- Assume the best about others
- Ask questions before making accusations
- Apologize for your part
For ongoing tensions:
- Pray consistently for the relationship
- Set healthy boundaries
- Focus on behavior, not character attacks
- Seek wise counsel
When Peace Seems Impossible
Sometimes despite best efforts, peace eludes us:
You can't control others: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you" (Romans 12:18). Do your part and leave results to God.
Some refuse peace: "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (Psalm 120:7). Their choice doesn't negate your obedience.
Boundaries aren't unpeaceful: Sometimes distance is necessary for safety while still maintaining a peaceful heart.
God will vindicate: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19).
The Blessing of Peacemakers
Those who pursue peace discover:
- Divine identity: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9)
- Inner peace: A clear conscience brings tranquility
- Influence: Peacemakers become trusted leaders
- Joy: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
- Spiritual fruit: Peace creates environment for growth
- Eternal reward: God honors those who pursue His priorities
Peace in Different Spheres
In marriage: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife" (1 Peter 3:7). Understanding promotes peace.
In family: "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath" (Ephesians 6:4). Gentle leadership fosters harmony.
In church: "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). Organization prevents conflicts.
In society: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" (1 Peter 2:13). Lawful behavior promotes peace.
Jesus Our Peace
Christ both gives and models peace: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (Ephesians 2:14). He reconciled enemies through the cross, showing ultimate peacemaking.
Reflection Questions
- What relationship in your life needs active peacemaking? What specific step will you take?
- How do pride or unforgiveness hinder your pursuit of peace?
- In what ways can you become a more effective peacemaker in your community?
Prayer
Prince of Peace, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself and calling me to be a peacemaker. Forgive me for contributing to conflicts through my pride, anger, or unforgiveness. Give me courage to pursue peace actively, even when it's difficult or costly. Help me to speak truth in love, listen with understanding, and forgive as You've forgiven me. Show me specific relationships that need reconciliation and give me wisdom to approach them biblically. Make me an instrument of Your peace in my family, church, and community. May others see You through my peacemaking efforts. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three concrete steps toward peace today: 1) Identify one relationship marked by tension or conflict. Pray for that person and ask God to show you your part in the discord. 2) Reach out to initiate reconciliation—send a message, make a call, or arrange to meet. Focus on understanding their perspective and apologizing for your contribution to the conflict. 3) If you're currently at peace with everyone, encourage two people who are in conflict to pursue reconciliation, offering to help if appropriate.
