The peace the world cannot give
We live in a restless world. War, violence, political division, economic crisis, anxiety and loneliness affect millions of people. Many look for peace in success, money, relationships, entertainment or relaxation techniques. All of these can offer temporary relief, but they do not fill the deep emptiness of the heart. Jesus offered something different:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
Jesus spoke these words the night before he was crucified, knowing what lay ahead of him. His peace did not depend on circumstances. It is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the midst of them.
What does “peace” mean in the Bible?
The Hebrew word shalom is far richer than our idea of calm. It means wholeness, well-being, integrity, harmony and restored relationships: with God, with oneself, with others and with creation. That is why Jews still greet one another with “Shalom”, wishing each other all that good. In the New Testament, the Greek word eirene carries the same sense.
The Bible speaks of three dimensions of peace. Peace with God: sin separated us from him, but Christ reconciled us: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The peace of God: an inner calm that guards the heart in the midst of trials (Philippians 4:7). Peace with others: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
Jesus, the Prince of Peace
Isaiah announced that the Messiah would be called “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). At his birth, angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.” During his ministry Jesus calmed the storm, told those he healed “go in peace” and taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). After rising again, his first greeting to the frightened disciples was: “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19).
Paul explains that Christ broke down the wall of hostility that separated peoples: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one” (Ephesians 2:14). The cross not only reconciles us to God; it also makes reconciliation possible between people and nations in conflict.
How to live in God’s peace
Pray instead of worrying. Paul teaches it clearly: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Fix your mind on God. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Fill your mind with good things. Philippians 4:8 invites us to think on whatever is true, honest, just and pure. Forgive. Resentment steals peace; forgiveness restores it. Rest. Jesus invited: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Seek help when you need it. Faith and professional care for anxiety or depression do not contradict each other.
Love: the greatest commandment
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, he answered: love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself. “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). The whole Christian faith is summed up in love.
The New Testament uses several Greek words for love, but the most characteristic is agape: a self-giving love that seeks the good of the other without expecting anything in return. It is the love with which God loves us: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Loving as Jesus loved
Jesus gave his disciples “a new commandment”: “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). The mark of a Christian is not an outward symbol, but love.
That love is not limited to friends. Jesus taught: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). In the parable of the good Samaritan he showed that our neighbour is anyone in need, even from another people or religion. And on the cross he forgave those who crucified him.
Love in daily life
In the family: patience, listening, forgiveness and quality time. Read our articles on marriage and raising children. At work: honesty, respect and service. With those in need: John writes that we should not love “in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). With those who think differently: love does not require agreeing on everything, but it does require treating everyone with dignity. With yourself: accepting God’s love frees us from self-condemnation and enables us to love others.
Sowers of peace in a divided world
Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Throughout history many believers have worked for peace: mediating conflicts, accompanying victims of violence, promoting forgiveness and justice. In Colombia, churches of various traditions have accompanied reconciliation processes in communities affected by armed conflict. The peace of Christ is not passivity but an active commitment to justice and the good of all.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
A prayer for peace
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank you that in you I have peace with God. Calm my restless heart and guard it with your peace, which passes all understanding. Make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is division, unity. Teach me to love as you loved, even those who hurt me. Give peace to my family, my country and the nations. Amen.
When peace seems impossible
There are moments when peace seems impossible: a child’s illness, the loss of a job, a betrayal, a war. The Bible does not promise a life without storms, but it does promise God’s company in the midst of them. Paul wrote from a Roman prison, in chains, that he had learned to be content in whatever state he was (Philippians 4:11-13). The disciples, in the middle of the storm on the Sea of Galilee, saw Jesus rise and say to the wind: “Peace, be still.” And in Psalm 46 the psalmist declares: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed.”
If you are going through a storm today, remember that you are not alone. You can send us your request in Request prayer and read our article Prayers for every moment of our lives.
Verses on peace and love to memorise
John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Psalm 4:8: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” Romans 8:38-39: nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
Peace and love in the Christian community
The church is called to be a place where Christ’s peace and love are lived out. Paul urged believers to endeavour “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). That means resolving conflicts with humility, speaking the truth in love and welcoming everyone without distinction.