Pursuing Peace: The Ultimate Mandate
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
On Sunday, December 7, we discussed the word “peace” and focused on how to bring a revival of peace in our world today. I spoke to the church family at Summerdale about a few areas where Christians are called to live in peace, drawing from specific Bible verses. The overarching theme was the importance of unity, forgiveness, and love in all relationships. However, I feel like I may have rushed through the last point, so I feel sure we could all benefit from a deeper look into biblical peace.
We Need to Have Peace With God (Isaiah 26:3). Having peace with God begins with acknowledging our need for a Savior, as all have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). This peace is not achieved through personal effort or good works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly states, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). To establish this peace, one must repent of their sins, confess Jesus as Savior, and be immersed in water baptism. This reconciles us to God, removing the barrier of sin and making us right in His sight. Once this foundational step is taken, we maintain this peace by consistently drawing near to Him through prayer, studying His Word, and obeying His commands, allowing the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
We Need to Have Peace With Our Enemies (Matthew 5:44). The Christian goal is not to win battles with others, but to strive for peace even with those who persecute them . Following the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, believers are called to forgive and pray for their enemies. This radical ethic means treating others as you want to be treated, giving without expecting a return, and turning the other cheek when struck. Ultimately, a Christian's goal is to focus on getting to Heaven and bringing as many people along as possible.
We Need to Have Peace With Mankind (Galatians 3:28). There is a powerful message of unity and the breaking down of social barriers across all of humanity. The New Testament reveals a struggle for unity as some nations harbor prejudice against others. However, Jesus's disciples preached the Gospel to every nation and every creature, meaning that in Christ, distinctions like race are erased. Christians are commanded to open new doors and realize that all people are united under the message of the Gospel.
We Need to Have Peace With Other Christians (Ephesians 4:3). Maintaining unity in the spirit and the bond of peace among believers is an active endeavor, not a passive one. Biblical figures like Jesus (John 17), Peter (I Peter 3:8-12), and Paul (I Corinthians 1:10) all emphasized this critical unity. The text highlights that "our brothers and sisters in Christ... are not the enemy." The real enemy is identified as the devil, and believers are urged to direct their fight against that spiritual foe, not against each other.
We Need to Have Peace With Family (Colossians 3:18-21). Achieving love and stability within the home is paramount, as the family is the foundational unit of society. If something is causing conflict or is "not working right," it must be addressed directly; do not "band-aid it," ignore it, or talk to friends about it before the people involved. The advice is to focus on conflict resolution and not let disagreements lead to fighting. The text closes with a powerful question: how can we save souls when we are fighting each other? This underscores that domestic peace is essential for Christian witness.
We Need to Have Peace With Ourselves (Colossians 3:15). Many seek external solutions for inner turmoil, yet true, lasting peace must begin within. Having peace with yourself is not about the absence of problems, but about accepting your identity and worth as defined by God, not by your performance or past mistakes. A critical step is practicing self-compassion, recognizing that just as God forgives you, you must also extend that same grace to yourself. We often carry burdens of regret and shame, but we are commanded to release them. This inner reconciliation is beautifully captured in the New Testament: "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15). When you allow God's supernatural peace to be the ultimate umpire and ruler in your heart, it quiets the noise of self-criticism, allows you to forgive your past self, and anchors your present identity in gratitude and the unchanging love of Christ.
The ultimate objective of the Christian life, as illuminated by these scriptures, is to live in active and comprehensive peace across all facets of human existence. A Christian’s highest calling is to embody this peace, making us a powerful witness in a divided world. Why? Because it shows the world that the Prince of Peace rules in our hearts and establishes our steps.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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