¹³ … Live in peace with one another.

From the first bite of the fruit in the garden, the tranquility, the goodness, the harmony with God has been displaced by our sin. The quest for peace, ever since, echoes loudly in every human heart. The history of humanity seems to be the history of conflict and war. Even the newspapers today would be out of business if it weren’t for all the bad news. We are strangely drawn to the negative despite the desire for the positive.

The gospel message is one of peace. Witness the angels announcing the birth of Christ:

“Do not be afraid . . . peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:10–14)

Hear how Jesus says to people, “[G]o in peace” (Luke 7:50) or to the wind and the sea, “Hush, be still” (Mark 4:39).

Yes, it is true that Jesus also said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). Jesus was speaking there to His disciples of the hardships they would encounter as they were about to spread the message of Christ. He was not talking of His intention, but of the consequence of His teaching. The news of the kingdom would result in much bloodshed, the martyrdom of His followers. This is not for the faint of heart! But Christ’s message was intended ultimately to bring peace with God, and as a derivative, peace on earth among people.

In the upper room, the night before the greatest conflict in history, the execution of the One who came to save the world and bring peace, Jesus encouraged His disciples with these words:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

This was a common theme of the apostle Paul’s writings. Now, as believers, “[W]e have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). And now, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18). So here to the Thessalonians, he gives the same message but narrows the focus: “Live in peace with one another.” We could rightly add, “… just as you are already doing.” Oh, that this would be true in all congregations of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, I want to be part of the great company of believers who seek peace.