"When Paul listed peace as one of nine traits of the fruit of the Spirit, he was probably thinking primarily of peace with other people. He had already warned the Galatians against "biting and devouring each other" (Galatians 5:15). And in his list of the acts of the sinful nature, immediately preceding his list of the fruit of the Spirit, those actions that are totally opposite to peace are predominant: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy. As he began to list traits of godly character that the Galatians needed to keep foremost in mind, peace with one another must have been near the top of his list.
The importance of this aspect of peace is amply evident from major references to it in the New Testament. Here are just a few:
Blessed are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5:9)
As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Make every effort to do what leads to peace. (Romans 14:19)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. (Colossians 3:15)
Make every effort to live in peace with all men. (Hebrews 12:14
Whoever would love life and see good days...must seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:10-11)
...The pursuit of peace does not include an easygoing, peace-at-any-cost kind of attitude; it does not include capitulating to wrong or injustice just for the sake of maintaining appearances. That kind of behavior often leads instead to strife within ourselves. The conflicts that are disturbing our peace with others must be courageously but graciously faced and dealt with. Pursuing peace does not mean running away from the causes of discord." -Jerry Bridges, From his book: The Fruitful Life.
I remember having to go through some of this "biting and devouring each other" in my last church. It truly was an ugly time. I look back now and wish we would have pursued peace, or at least I would have done so more. I was running away from the confrontation, becasue I hated it. But I realize now that I should have been pursuing peace in a more direct way with others who had become resentful and even nasty. It may not have helped at all, but I believe it would have pleased the Lord, and that would have made it worth the effort. Not that I didn't pursue peace with some, and did eventually have peace.
May our Lord teach us, and empower us, to be peacemakers. Amen.
4 comments:
Peace wonderful peace!
CHurch confrontations are the worse aren't they. I left a church awhile back that had so much confrontation it was messing withmy worship! I told them so when I left hopefully in a Christian manner!
Good post Don. Thanks.
Peacemakers (Mat 5:9)...Greek = an adjective, eirēnopoios. Simply meaning of peace.
Interestingly this is the only time that word is used in the New Testament.
Romans 12:18, Mark 9:50, 2 Corinthians 13:11, & 1 Thess 5:13 all have the same reference to peace - eirēneuō - which is a verb, meaning to make, cultivate, or be at peace.
I think I'll study this one a little more on my own. :)
This could be something to reflect upon every time we want to celebrate the Lord's supper. I have respect for those who let the bread pass as they know they need to be reconciled (make peace) first.
Thanks guys for stopping by, and sharing those good, and encouraging, thoughts.
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