Radical Peace
Written by Becca Daniel
I grew up in a non-believing family, and so my concept of peace back then was much different than my concept of peace now - now that I know the Lord.
As a child, I gained much praise from the adults in my life for “keeping the peace.” I was quiet and agreeable. I didn’t make waves. In my mind, good was synonymous with absence of conflict, and lack of conflict was synonymous with peace.
It’s not surprising then, that as I matured and my relationships developed, I struggled with handling conflict. Any conflict around me, whether it involved me directly or not, put me into a panic.
Finding the Lord at age 35 didn’t automatically resolve my anxious relationship with conflict, but as I grow spiritually, I become better able to view it as an opportunity for peace.
When handled correctly with an end goal of resolution, it can bring about deeper understanding and connection. Reconciliation can multiply love. Conflict can build bridges instead of burn them.
Many years ago I went on an epic outdoor fishing adventure in Canada with a couple friends. A week in the wilderness with no technology, no electricity, and only the fish we catch to eat isn’t most people’s idea of fun. There are bugs and bad weather to deal with. Portaging canoes and paddling for miles is hard work. Sleeping on the ground is uncomfortable. But the sacrifices make the good things about the trip even better.
And going through an experience like that with other people and making it out of the woods alive feels a lot like going through a conflict with someone and making it to a resolution. Weathering a storm together can bring you closer.
So, from this perspective it’s clear that absence of conflict isn’t peace, and avoiding conflict doesn’t make one a peacemaker.
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus delivers radical teachings in his Sermon on the Mount; radical because his instruction on how to live a Kingdom-focused life is vastly different than living a world-focused life.
Therefore, according to scripture, peacemakers must be pure in heart and merciful. This is the character of God, and we are called to be the same.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m having a disagreement with someone, the last thing I feel like doing is being merciful. And the more heated things get, the more I want to fight.
But as a follower of Jesus I must remind myself in those situations to not fight to win the argument, but instead fight for purity of heart and mercy.
Being a peacemaker takes sacrifice. We can’t be merciful and also put ourselves first. So we must fight not against our enemies, but against the sin in our hearts.
The world teaches us to hate our enemies, so it’s no wonder we live in a hostile and divided world. Yet Jesus calls us to something higher in Matthew 5:44. We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Earlier this week I was working with a client and the news was on the TV in the background. I heard the reporter talking about a horrific story that’s making headlines right now; the murders that took place in Moscow ID. Injustice is a part of daily life in our fallen world. It can often feel so heavy, like too much to comprehend.
So, how do we cope? We can try to ignore it but that will fail. We can try to find peace in earthly things, but that will fail us as well. Going to earthly things for peace is like going to the hardware store for oranges.
John chapter 16 tells us how to find true peace, even when things are falling apart.
Jesus is in his last moments with his disciples, and encourages them that they will never be alone; they have the Holy Spirit to help them and comfort them. Only through Jesus overcoming the world can we have peace. Not just when things are going well. Not just when life feels easy. But with Jesus we can claim peace even in the most difficult and troublesome times.
Call to Action
Pray and Reflect on:
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:44
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Reflections
What is one sacrifice you could make for peace?
How does conflict look when you are focused on being merciful?
Can you pray for a difficult person today?
What relationship in your life has been strengthened through conflict?
