Why Does it Matter So Much to God That Christians Are Peacemakers?

Something happened long ago that set people against God and each other. Through the Fall, enmity entered creation and humanity. 

Enmity refers to a state of hostility, opposition, or deep-seated ill will between individuals or groups. It manifests as an adversarial relationship, marked by conflict, distrust, and often hatred.

Sin created enmity between humans and God. In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect, harmonious relationship with God in the Garden of Eden. However, their disobedience—eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—introduced sin into the world. Genesis 3:6-7 describes this pivotal moment: “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” This act of defiance broke the intimate fellowship with God, leading to enmity.

Sin causes enmity between humans and God because it separates us from his holiness. Isaiah 59:2 explains, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.” Sin’s nature opposes God’s righteousness, creating a chasm that only his grace can bridge. This enmity results in spiritual death, as described in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Without reconciliation, this enmity culminates in eternal separation from God.

Sin also creates enmity between people. The first instance of this is seen in Genesis 4, in the first generation after Adam, where Cain’s jealousy leads to the murder of his brother Abel. Genesis 4:8 narrates, “Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” This tragic event illustrates how sin fosters envy, hatred, and violence, disrupting human relationships.

The New Testament further discusses how sinful behavior perpetuates enmity among people. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the acts of the flesh, including “hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy.” These behaviors are antithetical to the fruit of the Spirit, which promotes love, peace, and unity.

Thankfully, there is another way. God’s peace.

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The biblical idea of peace is a profound and multifaceted concept that goes beyond the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses a sense of wholeness, completeness, and well-being rooted in a harmonious relationship with God, others, and oneself. The Hebrew and Greek words for peace—shalom and eirene, respectively—reflect different dimensions of this biblical peace and highlight how it contrasts with worldly notions of peace.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace is shalom. This term conveys a comprehensive sense of well-being, prosperity, and wholeness. Shalom is more than just the absence of war or strife; it signifies a state of completeness and harmony. For instance, in Jeremiah 29:7, God instructs the Israelites in exile to seek the peace of the city where they live: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Here, shalom includes not only the absence of conflict but also the active pursuit of communal welfare and well-being.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is eirene. Like shalom, eirene also implies a deep sense of inner tranquility and relational harmony. It is used to describe the peace that Jesus Christ brings to believers, and one Christians can’t manufacture on their own. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “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.” Jesus’ eirene is a divine peace that surpasses worldly understanding and is rooted in His presence and reconciliation.

Biblical peace differs significantly from worldly peace. Worldly peace often refers to a temporary end of conflict or a superficial calm that may not address underlying issues. It can be fragile and easily disrupted by new tensions or disagreements. In contrast, biblical peace represents a deep and lasting sense of harmony and completeness. This peace is grounded in a restored relationship with God and reflects the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Additionally, biblical peace includes a commitment to justice and righteousness. It is not merely about personal tranquility but also about actively pursuing justice and reconciliation in relationships. Psalm 85:10 emphasizes this connection: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Here, peace is intertwined with righteousness and justice, reflecting a holistic view of well-being that includes moral and social dimensions.

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One of the earliest examples is found in the story of Abraham. In Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him land and descendants. Despite Abraham’s doubts and the apparent impossibility of the promise, God’s covenant represents a commitment to peace and security for Abraham and his descendants. This divine promise establishes a foundation for peace, ensuring that God's people would have a place and a future.

Additionally, God establishes laws and guidelines intended to promote peace and justice within the community. The Mosaic Law included provisions for maintaining relational harmony with God and instructions for fair treatment and restitution between people, aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering a just society. For instance, Leviticus 19:18 instructs, 

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” 

This command emphasizes the importance of loving and respecting others as a means of maintaining peace. In the New Testament, God’s peacemaking role reaches its zenith through Jesus Christ. Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophetic title underscores Jesus’ role in bringing true and lasting peace to humanity.

Jesus’ ministry exemplifies God’s peacemaking in several ways. He teaches about reconciliation and forgiveness, emphasizing that peace is achieved through restored relationships. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Here, Jesus not only instructs his followers to seek peace but also identifies peacemaking as a defining characteristic of those who belong to God’s family. The ultimate act of God’s peacemaking occurs through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 2:13-14, 

“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross reconciles humanity with God, removing the barrier of sin that creates enmity. This reconciliation extends not only between individuals and God but also between people from different backgrounds and cultures.

To overcome enmity between different groups, Christians are called to live according to the Spirit and follow Christ’s teachings. Romans 12:18 encourages, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:34) and his teaching to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) provide a framework for reconciling and healing relationships.

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Christians are meant to take God’s peace and share it with a lost and divided world. Being a peacemaker involves actively working to foster harmony, resolve conflicts, and promote understanding, reflecting the divine peace that God offers through Christ.

1. Practice Forgiveness and Reconciliation. 

The foundation of peacemaking is forgiveness. Forgiveness removes the wounds and sins between people. Just as God forgives us, we are called to forgive others. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus teaches Peter about forgiveness, saying, “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” This illustrates that our forgiveness should be limitless, reflecting God’s grace. Practicing forgiveness involves letting go of grudges and seeking to restore broken relationships, mirroring the reconciliation we experience through Christ.

2. Promote Understanding Through Active Listening. 

Effective peacemaking requires us to listen actively and empathetically. James 1:19 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” By genuinely listening to others, we demonstrate respect and openness to different perspectives. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces conflict, allowing for more constructive and peaceful interactions.

3. Speak Truth in Love. 

Jesus combined truth with love in his ministry, addressing issues with honesty while maintaining compassion. Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to “speak the truth in love.” When we discuss disagreements or conflicts, we should do so with a spirit of kindness and a desire to build others up rather than tearing them down. Speaking truthfully and lovingly paves the way for resolution and reconciliation. This love can manifest as serving others, bringing dignity and relief in broken areas.

4. Seek Common Ground. 

Peacemakers look for areas of agreement to build upon rather than focusing solely on differences. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” By finding common ground, we can bridge gaps and create a foundation for constructive dialogue and collaboration. This approach aligns with Jesus’ mission to unite people and break down barriers.

5. Act with Humility. 

Humility is a key aspect of peacemaking. Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Approaching conflicts with humility allows us to consider others' needs and perspectives, creating a more collaborative and peaceful environment.

6. Pursue Peace Actively. 

As Romans 12:18 encourages, peacemaking requires deliberate effort and action. This means actively seeking peace in our relationships and communities, even when challenging. Engaging in activities that promote reconciliation and understanding demonstrates our commitment to living out our faith.

7. Pray for Peace. 

Prayer is an essential tool for peacemaking. Nothing happens apart from prayer. Jesus frequently prayed for his followers and their unity (John 17:20-21). By praying for peace, we invite God’s intervention in our conflicts and seek His guidance in resolving issues. This recognizes peace can only come through God’s power. Prayer also helps us cultivate a heart of peace and equips us to act in ways that honor God.

By embodying these principles, we not only reflect God’s peace but also contribute to a more harmonious and loving world, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

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