As we consider the ways God calls us to be at peace with Him and with one another, it’s okay if you find yourself asking questions like, “If God made peace with us through Jesus, then why is there still so much conflict in the world around me?”
We all have areas where we might feel like we’re missing peace. It could be in our relationships with our family, the people we work with, or even tensions at church. Maybe it feels larger, like global, political, or social tensions.
If peace is a state of wholeness, calm, and renewal between us, God, and others, how do we respond when we don’t feel peaceful? We can start by looking at Jesus’ words during His famous Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 NIV
Jesus calls all of us to be peacemakers because God isn’t done fighting for peace. He’s chosen to include us in His special plan to bring wholeness, calm, and renewal to everyone and everything.
In 2 Corinthians 5:1-21, the Apostle Paul refers to this idea, calling followers of Jesus “ambassadors of Christ.” If you think about an ambassador in a government setting, their job is to create and keep peace between two countries.
We have the same job, except instead of making peace between countries, we make peace between God and people. Peace is a process—it’s not all or nothing. We are all on a journey to have perfect peace between ourselves and God. And we are called to lead others on their journey to do the same.
So, why is there still conflict? Because God’s not done yet, and neither are we. This Christmas, as we remember God’s ultimate ambassador, Jesus, let’s commit ourselves to finishing the mission He gave us.
Pause and Pray:
Lord, thank You for everything You’ve already done to make peace. Help me to play my part in Your plan for peace. I can’t do this without You. Please be with me as I follow Your example. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflect or Discuss:
What can I start doing to make peace in the world? What can I start doing to bring peace between others and God?