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

What a challenge! As we look around the world, it’s obvious there’s no peace. We don’t have political peace, social peace, economic peace, or domestic peace. Families are experiencing breakups. Politicians are slinging mud. Children are encountering strife in the schools. Husbands and wives are arguing. Trade unions are organizing strikes. Racial harmony is something of a misnomer. Teenagers are on the tear. And an increasing number of people are grappling with a myriad of psychological and emotional illnesses.

There seems to be no end to it. Man seems to have no peace in himself. Conflict is part and parcel of everyday life. We’re fighting for our rights, fighting for recognition, and fighting for power and control. So much so it’s probably fair to define the so-called peace of the world as an occasional moment in history when everybody stops to reload.

But it needn’t be that way. God offers a peace that transcends all understanding (cf. Philippians 4:7), a peace that’s deeper and enduring, a peace which brings the good things that God can give.

The Bible tells us how to find this peace:

• Personally make peace with God (cf. Ephesians 6:15).
• Help others make peace with God (cf. Romans 10:15).
• Encourage others to make peace with each other (cf. Matthew 5:23-24).
• Build bridges, not walls. Be at peace with one another (cf. Mark 9:50; Romans 12:18).
• Prove your love rather than proving your point (cf. Romans 15:2; 1 John 3:11ff).
• Be occupied with healing issues. Pray for your enemies (cf. Matthew 5:44).
• Spend your energy raising God up instead of putting someone down (cf. Ephesians 4:22-32).
• Be committed to the message of reconciliation (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18).
• Recognize that the things that divide are not as important as the things that bind us together. Live by the dictum, “In essentials unity, in non essentials liberty, and in all things love.”
• Wherever you go; go in peace (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:15).

Which, when summarized, means you can live in peace if you “make every effort to do what leads to peace” Romans 14:19.