Finding Peace In A World of Conflict

In a world full of chaos and conflict, the pursuit of peace can often feel like chasing that elusive butterfly - always just out of reach. But what if the answer to lasting peace isn't found in the world but within our hearts? What if true peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from someone or something greater than ourselves?

True peace begins with the realization: that you'll never be at peace with others, the circumstances of your life - or even within yourself - if you are not first - at peace with God!
Until we resolve this fundamental dissonance, we'll never get to peace! Getting right with God is the essential first step to finding peace in all areas of life.

Consider this: Peace is the absence of conflict. Wouldn't that be great? - "Look ma" - no conflicts! But we know that Jesus said - in John 16:33 - "...  in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." and He also said - "in Me you may have peace."  The answer therefore lies in Jesus! Our conflicts can only be resolved through reconciliation, and the seed of reconciliation is forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there can be no reconciliation, and thus, no peace. Think about how that may work out in your life. This chain reaction shows why so many struggle to find lasting tranquility - we're often unwilling to take that first, difficult step of forgiveness.

The Bible offers great examples of individuals wrestling with this issue. Take Jonah - God called him to preach to the Ninevites, Israel's sworn enemies. Jonah had a conflict with the Ninevites, but if you drill down deeper - I think you would agree that his real conflict was with God. Even after reluctantly completing his mission, Jonah never fully reconciled his will to God's plan. His anger and bitterness (his unforgiveness) kept him from experiencing peace in the matter.

Contrast this with Joseph, who endured betrayal by his brothers, false accusations by others, abandonment and years of unjust imprisonment. Yet when reunited with those same family members years later, Joseph said, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). What was the difference between Jonah and Joseph's response? Joseph found peace (through forgiveness) by seeing his circumstances through God's sovereign and providential hand. As far as we know - at least up to the end of Jonah Chapter 4 ...  Jonah? - never forgave!  Jonah said: "... It is right for me to be angry, even unto death!” Jonah 4:9

The ultimate example of peace in the face of adversity is, of course, Jesus Christ. He embodied perfect peace because He knew exactly who He was and where He was going. (we do too). Jesus promised His followers, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). This isn't a temporary, circumstantial peace, but a deep, abiding tranquility that surpasses all understanding.

So how do we tap into this divine peace? First - by recognizing our need for reconciliation with God. In Romans 5:10 - Paul the Apostle said: "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Through Christ's sacrifice, we have been offered the gift of peace with God.

Therefore when we realize that we have received this reconciliation, we are then called to become ambassador's of this peace ourselves. Paul continues this thought in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us."

This calling to be peacemakers echoes Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). We are called to reflect the very nature of our heavenly Father by pursuing peace, even when it seems impossible!

Jesus challenges us to go beyond what feels natural or fair: "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" (Matthew 5:38-39). How's that for conflict resolution? It goes against every instinct we have for self-preservation and retaliation.

I think Paul - summed up well - Christ's teaching in the Beatitude's by asking the Corinthian believers a most intriguing question: "Why not rather be wronged?" (1 Corinthians 6:7). This question should also challenge us to consider whether our drive to "right a wrong" might just get in the way of what God is trying to accomplish in our world!

It's important to remember this kind of peace - to choose reconciliation over retaliation - is not possible in our own power or strength - It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Galatians 5:22-23).

In a world that desperately needs peacemakers, Jesus call us to rise to the challenge. Let us "pay it forward" - this gift of mercy - His reconciliation and His forgiveness poured out on Calvary's cross and into our hearts. - May we be a conduit of His peace in a world deeply at odds with each other. As the saying goes - "N.O.  Jesus - N.O. Peace ... K.N.O.W Jesus - K.N.O.W. Peace"! To the degree that we are Created in Him spiritually, Convicted by Him, Connected to Him - Surrendered to Him, Submitted to Him - and Sanctified in Him - is the degree to which we may have Peace in Him. Let us reflect this kind of Peace through every aspect of our lives - not only will it transform us  - but all those around us - who will see it work out in us!

Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Bob

Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.

  "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  
~ 2 Timothy 2:15