Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When I was a teenager, I would always ask for “peace on earth” for Christmas. It drove my parents crazy because I wouldn’t say what I actually wanted. Eventually, it turned into a joke and one year they got me a felt banner that said “PEACE ON EARTH” in big letters. I didn’t ask for it again.

There is something deep within all of us that longs for peace. When we read about wars, fights, discord, and all that is included in “un-peace,” our hearts and minds are unsettled. Peace is not the natural state of sinful mankind, but we still yearn for it. Why? Because God has hardwired us to live in peace with Him and others. War is not God’s design for us.

When we trust in Jesus, peace is now possible. Peace with God and peace with others. That is why followers of Jesus and His church are the hope of the world. We not only receive this peace in our life, but we become peacemakers. Ken Sande wrote a fantastic book on how to life a peacemaking life.

Peace is a major theme throughout Scripture, too:

John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Jesus is also called the “Prince of Peace.”

So, what is peace? Among other things, peace is an exemption from the rage and havoc of war; peace between individuals, harmony, concord, tranquility, security, safety, and assurance. Peace also includes quietness and rest. In Hebrew, the word is “shalom.” There is a sense of wholeness involved in biblical peace.

It’s time for followers of Jesus to live in this #IdentityTruth and experience this peace with God so we can be peacemakers in this conflicted world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#IdentityTruths #100daysofidentity #WhoAreYou 

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash