ByPeace is about feeling safe and happy in our lives. It’s waking up without worry, focusing on life’s blessings, and living without fear. Often, we think of peace as an external state, but many people experience inner turmoil. A Christian has an advantage since the Christ living within him embodies peace (see Ephesians 2:14). It’s, therefore, the believer’s responsibility to share this peace with others. In a world full of conflict, being a source of peace can even draw people to Christ. We are called to make every effort to live in peace with others. But how can we achieve this? Please read on.
Prioritising peace
As stated earlier, there are a lot of people who do not know Christ and are experiencing chaos within. When you prioritise being a source of peace to people, it can even draw such people to Christ. In Matthew 5:9, the Bible calls peacemakers sons of God, who are heirs entitled to the wonderful promises of God. So, by choosing peace, you honour God’s teachings and create an environment where others may get drawn to Christ. Today, by relying on grace, you can make a conscious effort not to entertain situations that would lead to disputes.
Many times, we unknowingly engage in certain acts, leading to strife and discord. This is one of the reasons why unity is waning in the Church. Acts like gossiping, intolerance, and spreading rumours can sow seeds of distrust and division within communities. Dishonesty and deceit also break trust and create rifts between individuals. When you prioritise peace and choose to act with love, understanding, and forgiveness, you can help create a more peaceful and unified body of Christ.
Forgive before the offence happens
Forgiveness is really challenging when someone who has wronged you shows no remorse for his actions. But just as Christ forgave you even before you were born and erased all memory of your sins in His mind, dear believer, be encouraged to reflect this kind of forgiveness towards others.
Colossians 3:13 says we must patiently endure one another’s faults and readily pardon each other, just as Christ also forgave us. When you read about Christ’s sacrifice for your forgiveness on the cross, it tells of the freedom from the burden of sin you carried. So, forgiveness prevents conflicts and misunderstandings, releases your heart’s burdens, and encourages reconciliation. Learn to forgive others because it also removes the burden of pain or hurt from your heart. And just as Christ’s forgiveness was not dependent on your actions, choose peace by forgiving others regardless of the circumstances.
Just as Christ’s forgiveness was not dependent on your actions, choose peace by forgiving others regardless of the circumstances.
Love keeps no record of wrongs
Forgiveness is sometimes difficult, but forgetting is even harder. However, when Christ died, He did so by washing and erasing all memory of our sins. Today, God expects you, His child, to reflect the same kind of love Christ showed you on the cross.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4, it is written that love keeps no record of wrongs. When you forgive, you consciously decide to let go of all the pain and hurt, bringing about peace. Oftentimes, unforgiveness blinds you with bitterness and traps you, preventing your own growth and healing. What, then, is the use of holding onto offences that imprison you? May God grant you grace today and help you release any burden of unforgiveness. May He teach you to forgive, even when your offender remains unrepentant.
In conclusion, making every effort to live in peace with everyone is not just a biblical commandment; it is a way of bringing people together. Peace is, therefore, not merely the absence of conflict but an active choice you must make daily. It requires conscious effort, grace, and a willingness to forgive others without recording wrongs.
