As believers, we have peace with God and the peace of God. If you have yet to experience this divine peace, lean into God, you don’t want to miss His perfect peace! It’s a peace that He pursued to have with you. It’s a peace that gives you confidence that the Perfect Savior is not mad at you, but is madly in love with you. And, once you come into relationship with Him, you will have peace with the God of the entire universe. But He also transplants His peace within us, giving us the peace of God. Philippians 4:7, details this peace, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The peace of God is indescribable, it transcends dark nights and long days.
God has made peace attainable. We have the privilege of peace, because of Christ’s work. So, quite naturally we should make it our mission to pursue peace with others.
When to pursue peace?
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
We should pursue peace whenever possible. This is not an occasional command. Although we cannot control the path of another, it’s our responsibility, as believers, to pursue peace. Our world may thrive on hatred, dissension, strive, and vain arguments. However, we are commanded to do our very best, to live at peace with everyone. Is this true for your life? As God’s follower, have you made it your intent to live at peace with everyone? Even that one who sins differently than you? Even that one that thinks differently than you? Even that one that votes differently than you? Even that one who looks different than you? Even that one who believes differently than you?
Where to pursue peace?
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
-Hebrews 12:14
Our command to pursue peace is not limited to a particular location. Follow the peaceful path on your job, in your home, in your church, in your community…Everywhere you go, aggressively follow peace.
Why pursue peace?
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
-Colossians 1:20
Jesus purchased our peace, through the shedding of His blood, surely we should make every attempt to pursue peace with others!
How to pursue peace?
Take a moment to read and meditate on the scriptures below, allow the scriptures to speak to your heart and provide insight on how to pursue peace in your current situations and daily life.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, – Philippians 2:3
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? – 1 Corinthians 6:7
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. – Matthew 5:38-40
As you follow the Prince of Peace, make it your mission to pursue peace – with yourself and with others! As you bear your cross, do it with an agenda to pursue peace. Jesus has already done the hard work!
Everyday Cross Living 