The Bible speaks about wars from different perspectives—historical, spiritual, and prophetic. While wars are a reality of life, God provides guidance on how to understand them. Today, we’ll consider what the Scriptures reveal about wars and God’s plan for peace.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Walking With God
What Does The Bible Say About Wars
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of pursuing peace and becoming peacemakers. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively seek reconciliation in times of conflict and work towards peaceful resolutions.
Being called children of God highlights the special relationship we have with our Heavenly Father when we choose to promote peace instead of contributing to wars and strife.
James 4:1-2
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”
This passage addresses the root causes of wars and conflicts. It points out that wars stem from our own selfish desires and uncontrolled cravings for power, wealth, and possessions.
Instead of resorting to violence, this verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance, submit our desires to His will, and rely on His provision. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and live peacefully with others.
Psalm 46:9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
This verse reflects the power and sovereignty of God to bring an end to wars and conflicts. God has the ultimate authority to restrain human aggression and dismantle the instruments of warfare.
It reminds us that our trust and hope should be in Him, and that ultimately, He will establish lasting peace in the world and put an end to all wars.
Isaiah 2:4
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
This prophetic verse speaks of the future peace and reconciliation that God will bring to the nations. It envisions a time when wars and conflicts will cease, and people will redirect their resources and efforts towards peaceful pursuits.
It encourages us to actively work towards peace and strive for the day when weapons of war will be transformed into tools for productivity and growth.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse highlights our individual responsibility to seek peace and harmonious relationships with others. While we may not always be able to control the actions of others, we are urged to do our part in promoting peace and reconciliation.
Living at peace with everyone requires humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
This passage draws a parallel between soldiers in the military and our role as followers of Christ. Just as soldiers have a specific mission and must focus on the commands of their superiors, we are called to set aside worldly distractions and prioritize our allegiance to God.
While this verse does not directly address wars, it reminds us to remain focused and dedicated to our spiritual battle, rather than getting caught up in earthly conflicts and distractions.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This verse reminds us that our ultimate battle is not against other human beings, but against the spiritual forces of evil. It encourages us to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm in our faith.
While wars among nations are a manifestation of human conflicts, this verse reminds us to address the deeper spiritual warfare that underlies such conflicts and seek God’s wisdom and guidance in navigating them.
Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
This statement by Jesus serves as a rebuke to Peter, who attempted to defend Jesus with violence during His arrest. It highlights the futility and destructive nature of resorting to swords and weapons in conflicts.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of non-violence and teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of injustice and persecution.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This verse highlights the importance of patience and self-control in avoiding conflicts and wars. It teaches us that acting impulsively and giving in to anger often leads to unwise decisions and unnecessary strife.
By cultivating patience and understanding, we can navigate disagreements peacefully and find resolutions that promote unity and harmony.
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.”
This verse encourages us to allow the peace of Christ to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships. It reminds us of our calling to live in peace with fellow believers and expresses the importance of gratitude in maintaining unity.
By letting Christ’s peace reign in our hearts, we can contribute to a peaceful and loving atmosphere that has the power to prevent conflicts and wars.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love as the fulfillment of God’s commands. Love, by its very nature, seeks to protect and care for others, ensuring that no harm is done.
By actively practicing love towards our neighbors, we can be agents of peace, resolving conflicts with understanding and compassion rather than resorting to violence or warfare.
Psalm 120:7
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
This verse acknowledges the reality that some individuals or groups may actively pursue and advocate for wars and conflicts, even when others desire peace.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of our personal commitment to peace, even in the face of opposition, and encourages us to continue striving for peace despite the actions or attitudes of others.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to extend love and forgiveness even to our enemies and those who may cause us harm. By praying for those who persecute us, we actively work towards reconciliation and peace.
It demonstrates the transformative power of love and forgiveness, which can break the cycle of violence and foster understanding and reconciliation.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse encourages us to make a conscious effort to prioritize peace and the building up of one another. It highlights that peaceful relationships are built through intentional actions that promote understanding, harmony, and growth.
By seeking to edify and encourage one another, we can contribute to a peaceful environment that minimizes conflicts and fosters unity.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse provides clear instructions on how to avoid wars and conflicts. It calls us to turn away from evil, actively engage in doing good, and to intentionally seek after peace in all situations.
By actively pursuing peace, we can make a positive impact on our surroundings and contribute to a world that values peaceful resolutions over violent confrontations.
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 passage lists the qualities that are produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Peace is identified as one of the fruits of the Spirit, indicating that it should be a natural outpouring of our faith.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and cultivate these qualities, we can become agents of peace and bring about a positive change in the midst of conflicts and wars.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of actively pursuing peace with everyone we encounter. It stresses the connection between living in peace and living a holy life.
Our commitment to peace reflects our relationship with God and helps to create an environment where His presence can be seen and experienced by others.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. When believers live in harmony and peace, the impact is not only beneficial but also pleasing to God.
It serves as a reminder of the value of unity, which can prevent wars and conflicts and promote a witness of God’s love to the world.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse highlights the power of God to bring about peace even in the midst of animosity. When we align our lives with His ways, God has the ability to change the hearts of our enemies and foster reconciliation.
It reminds us that our trust should ultimately be in God’s sovereignty, and He can intervene in ways that surpass our understanding to bring about peace.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
This comforting statement from Jesus reassures His followers that He has bestowed upon them His peace, which differs from the peace offered by the world.
Even in the midst of turbulent times and the threat of wars, believers are called to hold onto the peace of Christ, trusting in His presence and provision, and finding comfort in knowing that He has overcome the world.