City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

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.

John 16:33 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…

Romans 5:1 (NIV)

Megan’s Musings

Wait a minute (record scratch sound effect). Rewind, freeze frame. Did Jesus tell his disciples they would have both peace and trouble? Isn’t it if we have one, we don’t have the other? Isn’t peace the absence of trouble, and trouble the absence of peace? It depends on the definition. According to Merriam-Webster, peace is a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from civil disturbance, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations, used as an interjection to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell (the Hebrew word “Shalom” means “peace” and was used as a greeting). This definition of peace makes no mention of God, and any reference to spirituality doesn’t run very deep. 

Biblical peace is knowing God is with you and for you, it is knowing you are saved through the innocent blood of Jesus and accepting who He is and what He has done (Romans 5:1). It is the body of Christ working together and embracing our differences and celebrating our similarities. Despite popular culture and the dictionary definition, true peace is not the complete absence of trouble. Jesus told His disciples they would have trouble, but they would also have peace. How is that? They would have peace with God, and trouble with the world (better than peace with the world and trouble with God). In the disciples’ minds, Jesus’ message of peace and multiplying God’s family far outweighed the troubles they would face (and they would have plenty). 

So how is peace made? Who are the godly peacemakers? Those who witness God’s message to others, whether in word or deed, and those who work for the godly peace of everyone. Peacemaking doesn’t mean nobody is offended, or avoiding hard topics. Even Jesus, the Prince of Peace, at times provoked conflict for the good of others, but that did not make Him a troublemaker (only in the eyes of those who needed to be offended ). 

Application

Will you be a peacemaker? Will you witness God’s message in word and deed, and work for godly peace? Those who do will be called children of God. And one more thing, if offending someone is required for peace, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be a peacemaker, and in times of trouble, please grant me Your Strength and Wisdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.