The Bible is full of exhortations and admonitions to live in peace with our fellow man, beginning with the seventh beatitude given by Jesus in the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:9). Paul also encourages us to be at peace when he wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). We are to be at peace with brethren, and even strive for peace with those of the world.
Being at Peace with Brethren
This is not always easy to do. This is because the kingdom of God is made up of all kinds of people. In Matthew 13:47 Jesus likened the kingdom to a net that was cast into the sea and gathered out of it all kinds of fish. The church is like that net full of different kinds of fish. It is composed of people of different backgrounds, races, and colors, as well as different opinions, ideas, and personalities. As a result, peace is sometimes hard to achieve. Let us observe a few things that will enhance peace.
A Spirit of Compromise
When it comes to the truth of God’s word, there should be no compromise. However, when it comes to matters of opinion, we must be flexible. When it comes to liberties that we enjoy, we should be willing to sacrifice. We should compromise our own desires and wants, at times, if it will further unity among brethren. Liberties that we enjoy in Christ might not always be expedient (Romans 14:14-15; 1 Corinthians 6:12). There is no greater example of one giving up liberties than that of our Lord (Romans 15:1-3). Let us strive to follow His steps.
A spirit of Humility
Pride has not only separated many from God, but also from man in general, including brethren. It has stopped many from saying “I am sorry” or “I am wrong.” It has stopped many from taking the first step in amending differences. As one man said, “Being a peacemaker is much easier when we realize we are not the center of the universe.” Pride stands in the way of considering anyone’s ideas or opinions as better than his own. Pride is so busy causing one to think of himself that it does not allow room for the consideration of others. Pride is not only an obstacle to peace, but it also makes peace almost impossible to regain once it is lost.
Attempting to Understand Others
Peace comes through understanding. Will Rogers once said, “There goes a man I do not like; I think I’ll get to know him.” When we understand someone, there is a better chance that we will accept them but this takes some effort. We usually do not get to know others by accident. In the church, we should make a conscious effort to get to know one another. Being hospitable helps with this. Making an effort to talk to more people before or after a worship service can help as well. The point is that the better we know one another, the better the chance for peace to prevail.
Willingness to Forgive
What happens when there is no misunderstanding? What if a brother or sister in Christ simply sins against you? How can peace possibly be maintained or restored in such cases? It is not easy, that is for sure. However, the answer is to be willing to forgive (Colossians 3:12-15). To hold a grudge is, not only to purposely sabotage peace, but it is also sinful behavior. It was the inspired Paul who wrote, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). When a person repents of a sin that he or she has committed against us (Luke 17:3), we have a divine direction from Christ to forgive.
Being at Peace with Non-Christians
What we have said so far will go a long way in making peace with all men, Christian or non-Christian. However, there is something else that I want to point out regarding making peace with those of the world. Preaching the gospel is one of the best ways of making peace. When we turn to the Bible, we find that man is separated from God because of sin (Isaiah 59:1, 2). There is only one solution to this problem, and, of course, that is Christ and His gospel (Romans 7:24, 25).
The Old Testament spoke of the time when the Messiah would bring peace (Isaiah 11:6-9). Be sure to read this passage. The beautiful words of Isaiah, picturing for us the harmonious scene of the wolf dwelling with the lamb, and the calf and the lion eating together, is a picture of the future peace that would be brought by the Son of God. In Romans 15:12 Paul quotes Isaiah eleven as being fulfilled at that present time.
These prophecies were figuratively speaking of what would transpire in the dispensation of Christ, that is, of the peace that would come as a result of the preaching of the gospel (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:8-17; Romans 5:1). Those who are peacemakers of the highest sort, are those who take the source of peace, that is, the gospel of Christ, to a lost world, and strive to establish peace between God and man.