Do you understand the Gospel of Peace?
Today we live in a world of increasing violence, growing terrorist activity, and scattered blood-soaked wars threatening to engulf entire regions of the planet. Many people around the globe live in fear, every day—and virtually every moment—of their lives. More and more, news reports remind us of Jesus' prophecy that at the end of the age, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… for nation [ethnic group] will rise against nation [ethnic group], and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6, 7). Scripture indicates that the last days of this age will be marked by an increase in lawlessness, hatred and callous disregard for human life (Matthew 24:9–12).
However, there is "good news" just beyond the present strife! Jesus said that He would return to set up the Kingdom of God at a time when the "nations were angry"— actively fighting each other (Revelation 11:18). He promised to reward His disciples with the opportunity to reign under His direction on this earth (Revelation 5:10).
Jesus Christ and the saints will soon establish a world-ruling government in Jerusalem, which will bring peace to the entire planet (Isaiah 9:6–7). Nations will be taught the way to peace. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:2–4).
These are not just pleasant platitudes; they are prophecies of what will happen when Jesus Christ returns to this earth in the years just ahead! Our job in the Kingdom of God will be to bring peace to this world, and to show all of mankind the way to peace. This is what the "gospel of peace" is about (Ephesians 6:15). This is why Jesus told His disciples, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This is our future—if we learn the way that leads to peace!
Questions to Consider
If you hope to be part of the government of God and to help bring peace to this strife-torn planet, you need to ask yourself some very important questions. Are you a peacemaker? Are you growing in that capacity? Are you learning how to promote peace between individuals— and, eventually, nations?
Ask yourself: "How good am I at 'pouring oil' on troubled waters?" Are you able to "smooth" ruffled feathers when people around you become upset? Or do your words and deeds stir things up even more, like pouring gasoline on smoldering embers?
Watching world events, it is obvious that the leaders of this world have not been able to achieve the peace that nearly everyone desires. But do you know how to become a peacemaker? Do you recognize the skills that are needed to promote peaceful relationships? Can you identify the principles from Scripture that can help you become an effective peacemaker—among your family and friends today, and for the whole world in the Kingdom of God? Although many may say they want peace, only a very few understand what the Bible reveals about the way to real peace.
The Missing Key
In the last century, feuding governments fought two World Wars and countless minor wars, in the hope of establishing peace. The 20th century also saw the establishment of two transnational organizations—the League of Nations and the United Nations—which were created in the hope of bringing peace to this earth. But all those efforts failed to eliminate war, and did not bring lasting peace.
The Bible foretold this failure long ago. The Old Testament prophets looked ahead to the end of the age, and foresaw a time when misguided leaders would be talking about peace, negotiating for peace and praying for peace, "saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). The prophet Isaiah wrote of a time when the "ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly" upon realizing that all their efforts have failed (Isaiah 33:7). In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul prophesied, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money… disobedient to parents… unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:1–4). Prophecy shows us that the days just ahead of us will grow worse, not better—and for specific reasons!
The Bible reveals why all the efforts of brilliant and well-meaning people have been unable to establish lasting peace between individuals—or nations. The prophet Isaiah explains: "The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace" (Isaiah 59:8). This is the sad lesson of history. The Colt 45 revolver, called the Peacemaker, never brought lasting peace to the American West. Neville Chamberlain promised "peace in our time" to the British people, but World War II followed soon afterward. The policy of "peace through strength" saw the U.S. and the Soviet Union stockpiling nuclear weapons and pursuing "mutually assured destruction"—which brought terror, not real peace, to millions of citizens of the rival superpowers. Countless "peace plans" for the Middle East have been offered, but no amount of shuttle diplomacy and dialogue has been able to settle the region's age-old religious and political disputes. Nations have built more prisons and hired more police, but this has not ended interpersonal violence. In every sphere of life, the best human efforts to establish peace between individuals, or between nations, have simply not worked!
However, God reveals in the Bible a fundamental key about the way to lasting peace. Long ago, David wrote, "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble" (Psalm 119:165). David understood powerful and practical principles in Scripture that point the way to real peace. He wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). David urged his readers to "depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14).
Seeing David's perspective, it should be no surprise why he will reign as king over the twelve tribes of Israel in the coming Kingdom of God (Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5). But what are some of the peacemaking principles known to David—and to others, schooled in the way of peace, who have developed the skills that God reveals in Scripture?
The Path to Peace
When God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He pointed them toward the path that leads to peace. "If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments… I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid… and the sword will not go through your land" (Leviticus 26:3–6). Moses' words show how obeying God's law will lead to peace. If we want to be peacemakers, we must follow God's instructions—in every area of our lives.
Solomon wrote down many practical principles that promote peace and reduce the risk of conflict. He explained that contention is often the result of pride. This means that if we can recognize and eliminate pride, arguments and quarrels will cease (Proverbs 13:10). Solomon teaches us that harsh words (such as calling someone an idiot, or leveling accusations) stir up hatred, but "a soft [kindly, diplomatic] answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1). He explains that peacemakers do not spread gossip or rumors or say derogatory things about others (Proverbs 16:27–28). Instead, they strive to remain calm and objective, and are slow to become stirred up (Proverbs 16:32). Peacemakers overlook and forgive insults, and attempt to avoid arguments—or stop them before they start (Proverbs 17:9, 14)—because they understand that only "fools" start arguments and spread rumors (Proverbs 18:6–8).
Solomon also understood that jumping to conclusions before hearing from both sides in a conflict will not bring peace; it will only aggravate problems (Proverbs 18:13, 17). He also recognized that constantly harping and nagging about an issue is irritating, and undermines peaceful relationships (Proverbs 27:15–16). Solomon understood that angry people (who are often proud, as well as angry) tend to stir up strife involving other people (Proverbs 29:22–23). This is one reason for the common advice to "count to ten" (or 20 or 100!) before responding to someone in an emotional way. Peacemakers understand and use these principles.
In the New Testament, we see how Jesus Christ and His apostles also emphasized peace-promoting principles. Jesus advised His disciples to "turn the other cheek," and to go the extra mile in forgiving those who irritate them, instead of trying to figure out how to "get even" (Matthew 5:38–48; 6:12–15). He also warned His disciples not to "sit in judgment of others," but instead to focus on putting their own lives in order (Matthew 7:1–5). Jesus explained that when you have disputes with your brothers (or sisters), you should go to them first and humbly attempt to straighten out the situation, instead of telling others about the problem (Matthew 18:15–20). Jesus also pointed out that self-seeking—trying to get ahead of others— is a source of strife, and is not conducive to peaceful interpersonal relationships (Matthew 20:20–28).
The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians to be patient, to avoid showing favoritism and to give up the desire to "get even" with others. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18–21; see also Hebrews 12:14). James urges us, as Christians, to be careful how we use our tongues. We are to avoid boasting and bitterness. We should be humble, approachable and willing to listen, and we should avoid partiality. These are vital strategies, which those who make peace will use to promote peace (James 3:1–18).
The qualities listed in Scripture as promoting peace are actually fruits of the Holy Spirit, which we as Christians must strive to develop. Paul explains that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, longsuffering, self-control" (Galatians 5:22–23). At baptism, we repented of our old ways and made a commitment to walk in Jesus Christ's footsteps and obey His instructions. As we grow, we must continue to work diligently to exercise the fruits of the Spirit, and in doing so to develop the peacemaking skills outlined in Scripture. This requires effort on our part, continual practice—and the willingness to be guided by God's Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ will soon return to the earth as Prince of Peace, to establish the Kingdom of God. We have been called to reign with Him. This is what Scripture calls the "gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15). As you prepare for that wonderful future, take the time to examine yourself, and your relationships with family, friends, coworkers and other members of the Church. Ask yourself: are you a peacemaker? Prayerfully determine what you need to do to promote more peaceful relations with those around you. Study the biblical principles which point the way to peace, and strive to develop the skills you need to become a more effective peacemaker.
If you want to become a son or daughter of God and reign with Jesus Christ in the kingdom of God, you must become a peacemaker. Make that a goal and a priority in the days, months and years ahead—so you can receive the reward Jesus Christ will bring when He returns to establish peace on earth!