ODJ: resolved
February 4, 2011
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it (v.11).
READ: 1 Peter 3:8-18
Checking the texting inbox on my phone, I understood my friend’s frustration when I read her message: “I am sick of unresolved conflict!! I can’t take it anymore!” Ironically, our Bible study the night before had been on peace. As I thought about her situation—and some of my own—I was reminded how easily conflict can arise and how difficult resolution can be.
In a world full of conflict, God’s Word stands in stark contrast with its reminders that “God blesses those who work for peace” (Matthew 5:9), and ”those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). Peter told his audience to be humble and loving, choosing to end conflicts by paying people “back with a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). Peacekeeping and peacemaking are similar in many ways, and yet different. The primary emphasis in keeping peace is to maintain it by enforcement or supervision (v.11; Hebrews 12:14).
Making peace, however, means getting to the root of the issue. Colossians 1:20 teaches that for us to be reconciled to God, our sin can be removed only through the work of the cross (1 Peter 3:18). Peace comes with a price. To make peace also means we have to be content to lose control. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” We can’t always make our circumstances or relationships peaceful, but we can find personal peace by: • Recognizing that our peace is not measured by others’ choices, but by our own (Romans 12:18). • Growing in our relationship with the God of all peace (2 Peter 1:2).
Peace will not be found in what we can maneuver to bring us comfort, but in what we surrender to God. —Regina Franklin
In what area of your life are you attempting to keep peace or make peace? Thinking of a conflict you are currently facing, what can you do to “live in peace”? Do you trust God to work out the conflict or are you relying on your own efforts?
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He-JESUS is my peace! Thank You Lord.