Peace Not Strife

There is so much strife in our world and so little peace. Let us look to the Word of God to strengthen our resolve to be peacemakers. Our Lord Jesus said. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [1]

JACOB

Jacob was born into strife. The Lord told his mother (Rebekah) before Jacob was born that his older brother (Esau) would serve him. [2] While Rebekah supported Jacob in his leadership calling; his father, Isaac, preferred Esau. By no means, did Esau want to serve Jacob. He planned to kill him after their father died.

Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, kindled more strife in his life. Laban gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah, in marriage after Jacob worked seven years for Laban’s younger daughter Rachel. After that, Laban made Jacob work an additional seven years to marry Rachel. Thus, Jacob had two sisters for wives. They both strove to be the most-loved wife of Jacob by bearing children for him. They even gave their servant girls to Jacob so he could have children by them.

The children of Leah and her servant hated Rachel’s son Joseph. Jealousy drove them to sell Joseph to human traffickers.

The good news in Jacob’s story for us is that God can glorify His name through us even if we grew up in a home full of strife. God can still accomplish His purposes for us in spite of us and in spite our backgrounds by His Spirit.

SOLOMON

By the inspiration of God, Solomon wrote: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” [3] “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” [4] “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” [5] “Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.” [6] “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” [7] “He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” [8] “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.” [9] “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” [10] “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” [11] “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” [12] “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” [13]

THE APOSTLE PAUL

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” [14] “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [15] “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” [16] “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [17] “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” [18] “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” [19] “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” [20]

JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS

According to James the Brother of Jesus, selfish desires of the flesh are the roots from which wars spring up: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” [21] “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” [22] “Be at peace among yourselves.” [23] “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [24] “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” [25]

THE APOSTLE PETER

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” [26]

THE PROPHETIC LAMENT FOR LACK OF PEACE

David lamented, “My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” [27] Jeremiah lamented, “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.” [28] Jeremiah’s deep love for people set him at odds with them because they were opposing God.

QUOTE FROM “The Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis”

“Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wroth (anger).”

PRAYER

“Heavenly Father, You gave up Your Son to save us from perishing. Lord Jesus Christ, You died to remove our sins to make way for the Holy Spirit to live in us. Holy Spirit, You who live in us, empower us to live at peace with one another for the glory of God. In Jesus’ I pray. Amen.”

[1] Matthew 5:9
[2] Genesis 25:23
[3] Proverbs 10:12
[4] Proverbs 15:18
[5] Proverbs 16:28
[6] Proverbs 17:1
[7] Proverbs 17:14
[8] Proverbs 17:19
[9] Proverbs 22:10
[10] Proverbs 26:20
[11] Proverbs 26:21
[12] Proverbs 28:25
[13] Proverbs 29:22
[14] Romans 12:18
[15] Romans 14:17
[16] Romans 14:19
[17] Romans 15:13
[18] Romans 15:33
[19] Romans 16:20
[20] 1 Corinthians 14:33
[21] Colossians 3:15
[22] 1Thessalonians 5:13
[23] 1Timothy 2:1-2
[24] Hebrews 12:14
[25] James 4:1
[26] 2 Peter 3:13-14
[27] Psalm 120:6-7
[28] Jeremiah 15:10