The peace that the world seeks

To the United Nations, an international peace organization, peace is the absence of armed conflict.* They have identified interconnecting causes of violence: human-induced climate change leading to struggles over food security and clean water; socioeconomic inequalities leading to too much in the hands of too few; extremism leading to senseless violence and lost generations.

But it seems impossible to eradicate war. Genocide and crimes against humanity continue to be documented around the world. If you stare straight into the heart of human darkness, it is natural to feel despair and anxiety. As a Christian, I am drawn to ask, What solace can we find in Scripture?

The peace that the Bible describes

In the Bible, we find a surprising degree of agreement with the UN on the interconnected nature of peace.

平安 is the absence of conflict, but also the presence of wholeness and well-being. Peace is something that should be done—peace-making is the responsibility of all children of God (Matt 5:9). Moreover, making peace is entwined with doing righteousness (Ps 85:10; James 3:18). Peace is only possible when there is justice, including climate, socioeconomic, and legal justice.

Where the Bible differs is its diagnosis of why there is no peace. Peace is not the default state of the world; chaos is (Gen 1:2). 平安 comes when the messed-up pieces are arranged in God’s intended order for the world (Gen 1:3–31). Sin threatens this order by opening the door to chaos (Gen 4:7).

One person’s indiscretion could lead to a broken family and hurt across generations. One government’s corruption could lead to catastrophes during natural disasters and national emergencies.

When false prophets declared to a nation under threat, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace (Jer 6:14; 8:11), they were doing more than telling the people what they wanted to hear. They were also blinding them to their broken relationship with God. Self-deception and empty prayers are not peace-making. Peace is only complete when there is reconciliation with God.

The peace that Jesus gives

The gospel of Christ does not offer an easy peace (Luke 12:51). When Paul surrendered his life to the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15; Col 1:19–20), he did not find an absence of conflict. He got into arguments (Acts 9:20–22), fled for his life (9:23–30), faced legal problems (Acts 16:16–40), and died in prison (Acts 24–28). Nevertheless, he testified to the inexplicable peace of God while suffering in the worst circumstances (Phil 4:7; 2 Cor 7:4–6; 12:7).

What does the hard work of peace-making entail? Loving our neighbour and our God (Matt 22:37–40). This might mean facing how we might be obstacles to peace or confronting lies about why there is no peace. But in all things, we need not be robbed of the peace that Christ has promised (John 14:27; 16:33; Col 3:15).

When we exemplify this peace of Christ to a world plagued by disorder, we bear the fruit of the Spirit for our communities and point them to him (Gal 5:22–25). May it be that they too will know the love of Christ and receive his peace.

For Discussion

How do you contribute to peace in your family and community?

* https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace/2023

A longer version of this article was first published on Salt&Light at https://saltandlight.sg/devotional/saltlight-word-in-season-how-can-i-find-peace/.