Peacemaking is more than just avoiding conflict; it’s about actively creating harmony in a world filled with discord. The Bible encourages us to embrace peace as a core principle of faith. From the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount to numerous verses in the Old and New Testaments, scripture speaks to the value of peace and how believers are called to pursue it in their daily lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse highlights the role and importance of peacemakers in the kingdom of God. Those who actively pursue peace and work to reconcile conflicts are considered blessed and are recognized as children of God. It reminds us that peace is not something passive, but an active pursuit that reflects our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 12:20
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
This verse offers a contrast between those who engage in deceitful and evil practices and those who actively work towards peace. It emphasizes the joy that comes from being peacemakers, and it highlights the inherent goodness and righteousness of promoting peace in our relationships and communities.
James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Here, the focus is on the outcome of peacemaking efforts. When we actively sow seeds of peace and work towards reconciliation, we can expect to see a harvest of righteousness. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and our commitment to peace will bear fruit in fostering righteousness and harmony.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul encourages believers to prioritize living in peace with everyone to the best of their ability. While it may not always be possible due to external factors, we are called to do our part in pursuing peace and maintaining harmonious relationships. This verse underscores the personal responsibility we have as peacemakers.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”
The author of Hebrews intertwines the pursuit of peace with the pursuit of holiness. This verse emphasizes that living in peace with others is not only a reflection of our faith but also linked to our ability to experience the presence and revelation of God. It reminds us of the divine connection between peacemaking and our spiritual journey.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This well-known passage includes peace as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. As believers, when we allow the Spirit to work in our lives, we become conduits of peace, exhibiting it in our thoughts, words, and actions. The presence of peace in our lives is a testament to the indwelling Spirit and the transformative power of God’s love.
Romans 14:19
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Here, Paul encourages believers to actively pursue actions and attitudes that contribute to peace and building one another up. Mutual edification refers to the process of encouraging and strengthening fellow believers. This verse reminds us that peacemaking involves both personal and communal efforts in fostering unity and growth within the body of Christ.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Paul urges believers to allow the peace of Christ to govern their hearts and relationships. The unity and peace we experience as the body of Christ are interconnected, and we are called to preserve and protect this peace. Additionally, gratitude is highlighted as an attitude that accompanies the pursuit of peace, reminding us of the importance of a thankful heart in promoting peace.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
Isaiah highlights the promise of perfect peace for those whose minds are anchored in God and who trust in Him. This verse reassures us that when we place our trust in God, our hearts and minds can experience a supernatural peace that surpasses understanding. It encourages us to rely on God’s faithfulness and promises to find lasting peace in the midst of life’s trials and uncertainties.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse offers practical guidance on how to pursue peace. It instructs us to turn away from evil and actively engage in doing good. Seeking peace requires intentional effort, and we are called to actively pursue it in our relationships, communities, and interactions with others.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the body of Christ. This verse underscores the interconnection between unity and peace, highlighting that peace acts as a catalyst for unity among believers. It calls us to prioritize preserving peace and fostering harmony as we navigate our relationships within the church and with fellow believers.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse demonstrates the power of God to bring about reconciliation and peace. When we walk in alignment with God’s will and live uprightly, He can intervene in our relationships, even with our enemies, to bring about peace. It reminds us that our pursuit of peace aligns with God’s desires for His children, and He can work supernaturally on our behalf.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse extols the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. When believers prioritize living in harmony and peace, it not only pleases God but also creates an inviting and attractive environment for others. It emphasizes the significance of peacemaking as a witness to the world and a reflection of God’s character.
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
In this exhortation, Paul encourages believers to embrace restoration, encouragement, and unity, highlighting the role of peacemaking in fostering these aspects. When we actively pursue peace and unity, we create an environment where the love and peace of God can manifest fully. It reminds us that our commitment to peacemaking invites the constant presence of God in our lives.
Psalm 85:8
“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly.”
Here, the psalmist recognizes that true peace comes from listening to and obeying God. It acknowledges that God promises peace to His people who faithfully follow Him. This verse encourages us to seek guidance from God and prioritize wisdom instead of foolishness, recognizing that true and lasting peace is found in surrendering to His will and ways.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Paul’s prayer for believers in Rome highlights the connection between trust, joy, peace, and hope. As we place our trust in God, He fills us with the supernatural joy and peace that surpasses circumstances. This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to experience an overflow of hope as we surrender to God’s peace and place our confidence in Him.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This proverb illustrates the destructive nature of quarrels and disputes. Rather than fostering peace, engaging in quarrels can lead to irreparable damage. This verse urges us to choose humility and wisdom by letting go of conflicts and seeking peaceful resolutions before they escalate, affirming the importance of preventing conflict whenever possible.
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
Peter echoes the wisdom of Proverbs by instructing believers to turn from evil and actively engage in doing good. Seeking and pursuing peace requires intentional effort and a commitment to righteousness. This verse emphasizes the role of personal choice and responsibility in peacemaking, urging us to actively pursue peace in all areas of our lives.
Psalm 122:6
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'”
This verse highlights the importance of praying for peace, not only in our personal lives but also in our communities and nations. It specifically refers to Jerusalem, but we can apply the principle to any context. Praying for peace demonstrates our love for others and our desire for their well-being, and it aligns our hearts with God’s heart for reconciliation and harmony.
Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Paul’s concluding words in his letter to the Romans affirm the ultimate victory of God’s peace over the forces of darkness. It reminds believers that even in the midst of spiritual battles, the God of peace is victorious. This verse encourages us to rely on God’s grace and promises as we engage in the ongoing work of peacemaking, trusting in His ultimate triumph.
Psalm 29:11
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
This psalm highlights the provision of strength and peace that comes from the Lord. As peacemakers, we can draw on God’s strength and find comfort in His promise of peace. This verse reminds us that it is through our relationship with God that we receive the necessary resources and blessings to actively pursue and promote peace.
Matthew 10:34-36
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
This verse may seem contradictory to the overall theme of peacemaking, but Jesus is speaking metaphorically here. He acknowledges that His teachings and the message of the Gospel may cause division and conflict, even within families. Ultimately, through His sacrifice, Jesus brings eternal peace between humanity and God, but earthly peace may not always prevail.
Romans 12:20-21
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul encourages believers to respond to hostility and mistreatment with acts of kindness and love. By doing so, we can potentially bring conviction upon our enemies and foster reconciliation. This passage challenges us to overcome evil by responding with goodness, seeking to break the cycle of animosity and promoting peace through acts of compassion.
Psalm 120:6-7
“Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
The psalmist expresses their longing for peace and their frustration at being surrounded by conflict and hostility. Despite the opposition they face, the psalmist affirms their commitment to be an advocate for peace. This verse resonates with those who find themselves in challenging environments, encouraging them to remain steadfast in pursuing peace, even in the face of opposition.
Luke 10:5-6
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
Jesus instructs His disciples on how to spread His message of peace. He emphasizes the importance of extending a blessing of peace, but also recognizes that genuine peace can only be received and embraced by those who are receptive to it. This verse encourages believers to actively promote and offer peace, even if it is not always reciprocated.