Creator, Father, King #272

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

THE COUNTERCULTURAL REVOLUTIONARIES OF the 1960s—those longhaired, casually dressed youth called hippies who often favored mind-altering drugs such as marijuana and LSD—proclaimed to love peace. When the Vietnam War broke out in 1965, many young adults dodged the draft. Countless others protested it—some, ironically, with violence. By the 1960s, the “victory” sign that World War II soldiers had made by forming their middle and index fingers into a V-shape had transformed into a hippie “peace” sign.

Peace, though, is hard to come by. Ironically, the ’60s were full of riots. No nation on earth has enjoyed peace for long. Even the famed Pax Romana era (“Roman Peace”) of the Roman Empire, which historians date from the reign of Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) to Marcus Aurelius (AD 161–180), included some revolts, such as the Jewish War (AD 66–70).

The peace that the apostle Paul describes in today’s verse is a very different thing indeed!

What’s It Mean?

True, biblical peace isn’t simply pacifism—the idea that human war and conflict should be avoided at all costs. Real, abiding peace originates from “the Lord of peace himself” who can “give you his peace at all times and in every situation” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, we can truly experience godly peace only when his Spirit has worked salvation in our hearts, reconciling guilty sinners with a holy God as we trust in Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

As recipients of God’s peace, the Lord expects us to “live in peace with everyone.” We are to freely give what we’ve been freely given.

Is this always possible? Unfortunately, no. Sometimes, you will encounter difficult individuals in life. Paul certainly did. That’s why he worded today’s verse like he did: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (emphasis added). But don’t be the one to rush to judgment, speak angry words, or stir up trouble. As far as it depends on you, show godly love and be the peacemaker in all situations.

True peace is hard to come by in this broken, messed-up, sinful world. So be a peacemaker through the power of the God of peace!

Now What?

Is there someone you are estranged from right now? Make peace with them today!

Did You Know?

In its truest biblical sense, the word shalom, an ancient salutation of greeting or parting meaning “peace” that many Jews still use today, carries the connotation of a right relationship with God.