The Bible has a lot to say about peace, both inner peace and peace in the world. At the heart of the Bible’s message about peace is that true, lasting peace comes from God. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on peace:
Peace comes from God
The Bible teaches that God is the source of true peace. Isaiah 9:6 calls the coming Messiah the “Prince of Peace.” Romans 15:33 refers to God as the “God of peace.” Philippians 4:7 talks about “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” True peace – inner tranquility and harmony with others – ultimately comes from knowing God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus brings peace
Jesus said that he came to bring peace to people’s lives. He said, “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” (John 14:27). Through his death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus reconciled sinful humanity to a holy God, bringing the peace of forgiveness and new life to all who believe in him.
Christians are called to live in peace
Followers of Jesus are instructed to live peaceful lives, as much as it depends on them. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Hebrews 12:14 tells Christians to “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.” Christians are supposed to reflect the peace of Christ in their attitudes and actions toward others.
Peace comes through prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer helps align believers’ wills with God’s perfect will, bringing His supernatural peace.
Peace through trusting God
Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Keeping our focus on God and trusting in His sovereign control over all circumstances is key to experiencing peace in the storms of life. As Philippians 4:6-7 indicates, prayer and thanksgiving are important means through which we express trust in God.
Strive for peace with others
Romans 14:19 instructs, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Christians are called to actively pursue peace and reconciliation with others, as long as it does not compromise biblical principles.
Peacemakers are blessed
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Actively promoting peace and resolving conflicts in a biblical manner is a way believers live out their identity as God’s children. Peacemakers reflect the character of their Father.
Peace through justice and righteousness
Isaiah 32:17 says, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Lasting peace in society flows from justice and adherence to God’s standards of righteousness. As James 3:18 notes, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
God will bring ultimate peace
Though peace seems elusive in this fallen world, the Bible promises that God will ultimately bring lasting peace on the earth. Isaiah 2:4 prophesies a day when “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.”
Revelation 21:4 describes the eternal state when God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Inner peace comes through faith in Christ
When someone places their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are reconciled to God and experience “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). The Holy Spirit then comes to live within them and empowers them to overcome anxiety, guilt, and other destroyers of inner peace. As Philippians 4:6-7 promises, believers can find inner calm and tranquility through prayerful dependence on God.
Cultivate peace through the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 lists peace as one of the fruits or results of walking in step with the Holy Spirit. As believers yield control of their lives to the Spirit, He develops His fruit of peace in their character. This peace from the Spirit is not circumstantial, but present even in the midst of trials.
Seek unity and harmony in the church
Jesus and His apostles emphasized unity and peace among followers of Christ. Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Ephesians 4:3 instructs believers to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” So seeking peace and unity within the body of Christ is very important.
God’s peace surpasses understanding
Philippians 4:7 promises, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This supernatural peace of God exceeds human comprehension. It is a “shalom” that brings wholeness, health, and tranquility to one’s whole being.
Peace comes through obedience
Psalm 119:165 promises, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Obedience to God’s Word is a path to peace for the believer. Sin disrupts fellowship with God and destroys peace, so walking in holiness brings spiritual peace.
Peace through turning from anger and revenge
Romans 12:17-19 instructs believers “Do not repay anyone evil for evil,” but rather “overcome evil with good.” Refusing to take revenge and letting go of anger toward others are key to maintaining peace. Harboring resentment blocks peace in one’s own heart.
True peace is more than absence of conflict
The biblical concept of peace, “shalom” in Hebrew, entails much more than just a ceasefire in the conflicts of life. Shalom includes ideas like wholeness, completeness, soundness, and flourishing. So biblical peace is an inner contentment and tranquility founded on a right relationship with God.
Peace in a broken world
Jesus told His followers, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Because of sin, trouble is inevitable in this fallen world. But through faith in Christ’s victory, believers can have His supernatural peace.
Promote peace through forgiveness
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Letting go of grudges and extending forgiveness to others is vital for living at peace. As we appreciate God’s forgiveness, we can forgive others.
God’s Word brings peace to the soul
The Bible promises, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). God’s Word provides stability for life, comfort amidst trials, and wisdom for applying God’s truth. Immersing our minds in scripture brings security, hope, and peace.
Pursue right relationships
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” While we cannot control others, believers are called to do all they reasonably can to live in harmony with others. Making peace, restoring relationships, and choosing our friends carefully all contribute to peace.
Peace amidst life’s storms
Isaiah 54:10 promises, “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” No matter what storms or difficulties come in life, God pledges His faithful love and peace to those who know Him.
Pursue peace through the “things that make for peace”
Paul instructs in Romans 14:19 to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” This means actively pursuing the “things that make for peace” like patience, kindness, compassion, humility, and love. These virtues contribute to both inner peace and peace with others.
Peace through submitting to authority
Romans 13:1 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Though not absolute, respecting and submitting to authority like government and workplace leaders contributes to societal stability and peace.
The present and future peace of God
The “peace of God” in Philippians 4 refers both to a present peace believers can experience now through prayer and trust in God, and to the ultimate future peace of being in God’s presence forever in eternity. So God’s peace is available both in this life and the next.
In summary, the Bible has much to say about peace. True peace comes only through a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This peace from God surpasses human understanding and transcends circumstances. Christians are called to live at peace as much as it depends on them, actively pursuing peace with others while trusting in God’s perfect peace.
