The Way of Peace

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Just for context, I am sitting at my infant daughter’s bedside at Children’s Hospital as I write this. For anyone who has been unfortunate enough to have to go through something similar, you know that watching your child go through pain is one of the hardest things. You know that if it were possible you would be willing to go through everything for them. But that’s not really an option. The best we can do in moments like these is be the peace and comfort they need to get through it. Because truth be told, most of the time they are strong enough to come through. They just need us to remind them.

I have heard the world’s narrative on what they think peace is. Apparently, flooding the streets, yelling, bringing chaos and strife and even danger is supposed to bring them peace. I don’t think I’ve heard anything so foolish. In the 70’s riots were held and peace signs became the symbol of those that apposed war. Peace on earth is a common desire among people, although, I’m not entirely sure that they know what they are asking for.

Peace is not the absence of strife. Peace is something that you must carry. It is given. It has the power to disperse strife like cockroaches in the light. Everyone wants peace, but they have no idea what true peace actually looks like. Peace looks more like a calm, self-discipline at times, and at others it is the simple understanding that no matter what, God is control.

Peace is also much easier to maintain when you are seeking righteousness. God leads us in paths of right doing. If we are following him and seeking his discipline in our lives, we will not struggle with the guilt, shame, and frustration of sin. Also, self-discipline is helpful to maintain peace. We don’t always have to react to what is going on. Sometimes, keeping our mouths shut is the best idea. This is especially true on the world’s multiple social media sights. It really isn’t wise to get in an argument over Facebook. We need to be using wisdom in these things. If you aren’t sure if what you want to type back in response to a political or religious post, type it out, wait a day, and come back to it. Chances are you won’t still want to say it. Realize that justice is in God’s hands and trying to argue spiritual points with someone who has no spiritual context is like trying to explain the finer points of physics to a dog. (Sorry, it’s true). That is not a battle you are going to win.

The best way to show people God’s peace is not to argue them to death, but to walk in a life of peace. When things come up, show confidence in God’s love, goodness, and provision, by remaining at peace. They will notice a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).


God gives us peace and teaches us to walk in peace. It is something we should seek and ask for. It is part of our witness and living testimony of God’s goodness to us, his people. It is something that we often overlook, and our lives don’t look any more peaceful than those who live without God, doing whatever their flesh desires. Of course they don’t have peace. Church, what is our excuse? 




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