Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

R. Josiah Magnuson

Christ’s peace is different from the world’s peace. The peace Christ offers requires intense decision-making, obedience, and often, suffering. Christ’s peace is only made by the power of the cross.

This afternoon brought a brief yet heavy Carolina rain shower to the landscape around my office. A large pool of water filled up in a low place in the parking lot, creating a shallow yet sparkling pond. Several fronds of tall summer grass, evidently having escaped through cracks in the asphalt, stood majestically erect above the water, as if imagining themselves to be great lake reeds. The only movement on the surface of this tranquil ocean was the reflection of the happily singing birds fluttering in the light of the slowly setting sun. As a breath of evening breeze touched my face, I thanked the Lord for this beauty. The thought crossed my mind that this was a glimpse of what true peace looks like.

True peace does not require a perfect environment. It does not rely on the standards of the world, or the approval of a consensus. Rather, it is found by satisfaction and contentment – a tranquility of heart – in accepting the person and work of Jesus Christ. True peace also requires obedience to His commands. In making peace within ourselves and with others, we must believe Christ enough that we put into practice His method for doing so.

The world has its own ideas about peace. The world projects a false song that tells us we can achieve peace, joy and love through our own goodness. A simple Internet search reveals such diverse projects as “Coffee for Peace,” “Writing for Peace,” “Boycott for Peace,” and even “Knitting for Peace.” While each of these efforts is probably well intentioned, and it is possible some have even contributed to the end of various conflicts, no human effort can ultimately create the peace we all long for.

Human nature remains unchanged since Woodrow Wilson declared World War I “the war to end all wars.” Worldwide conflict has only escalated even through every effort to quell it. We can probably all agree that today, the cause of peace as promoted by the world is not moving along very smoothly.

Christ told us, “Peace I leave with you – My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” (John 14:27) He has already made true peace for us. The Apostle Paul states Christ’s work was such that, “…In all things He should have the preeminence… having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Col. 1:18b, 20) When we have peace with Christ, and our identity is in Him, we can have peace with everything else, because He is at peace with all things!

The reason Christ’s peace is different is that it is made by means of the cross. Christ’s way is one of suffering. Sacrifice is the essence of true love. In order to build peace, we must be willing to sacrifice and suffer for others. In fact, we must actively take initiative to “take up the cross daily”! (Luke 9:23) We must follow Christ no matter what.

One area in which Christ has given us a path to follow is that of personal offenses. If someone wrongs us, we are not to spread gossip or evil remarks, nor are we to disassociate immediately from the person. Rather, we can find reconciliation using the method of Matthew 18:15-17.

First, Christ says to go and talk to the individual who has offended you. Chances are the person did not even intend to hurt you, so give them the benefit of the doubt. If in any way possible, this conversation should take place face-to-face. Don’t settle for Facebook or phone calls if you can physically sit down and talk to the person. And, if someone wants to tell you a bad report, don’t listen. Ask them if they have talked to the person first.

Second, Christ tells us to take another person or two along, to talk with the offender again. If they do not understand or listen to one individual, perhaps someone else can communicate the problem better. However, if the offender still refuses to hear, these extra persons will act as witnesses to verify the situation.

Third, Christ commands that we bring the issue before the church. The offending person will then be addressed by the church body and appropriate leaders.

Finally, if the offender still will not listen, he is to be treated as an unbeliever, and not remain in church fellowship. This extreme option is only to be used after each of the previous points is exhausted.

Another command that encourages peace is that of the Sabbath. God has given us this day to rest from our earthly labors, just as He did from His. (Exod. 20:8-11) It provides a time of release in which we can put our focus back on our Creator. God promises great reward to those who honor the Lord’s Day. (Isa. 58:13-14, Mark 2:27-28 )  

God ordains that His children have rest and peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9) While the world expects peace to involve compromise on all sides, Christ teaches that peace is principled and one-sided. The making of peace is our obligation. (Rom. 12:18-21) We are to follow Christ’s example and trust Him, even though it may bring us suffering. Then, others will be brought to true peace through the forgiving, reconciling work of the cross.

Like the pool of rainwater in the parking lot, we are called to provide tranquility even though our environment is rough and unfriendly. But, our Savior understands everything He calls us to do (Heb. 4:15). He has made the way for us to have peace in His identity. “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (v. 16)

It is on the power of God that true peace rests. As David stated, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)