Let There Be Peace on Earth

By Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller

…and let it begin with me

Over the past two weeks I have heard the word “division” more times than I care to count. Our nation is divided, our homes are divided, and even our churches are divided. The riot at Capitol Hill last week is just one of many examples of just how restless our world has become. There seems to be no peace in sight.

The other day I was scrolling online, and someone had posted James 1:5 in a Christian Facebook group. That’s it. Just the verse and a picture. Well, someone had posted a comment that a Christian might find offensive. Personally, I was not offended because I don’t know if this guy posted what he did just to pick a fight, or if he was a non-Christian genuinely searching for answers. But there were a lot of people who got all riled up about the comment and posted some bitter and unhelpful responses. They weren’t the meanest comments I’ve seen out there on the internet, but stuff like this happens all the time and it bothers me even more so when I see threads like this among Christians.

As I read comments like these my reaction is always something like, “Guys! Are you kidding me?! The last thing our world needs to see right now is Christians arguing with one another and causing strife! There is enough division in our world as is!”

This week I attended two Bible studies with two different churches, one with CPC and one with a different denomination. At both studies, the subject of division within the Church was brought up. On Tuesday we studied Titus 3. It is no coincidence that we got to this chapter when we did because the first two verses just happen to be:

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

On Wednesday night, Pastor George started a new Bible study on politics and Christians called, “A House Divided: How Christians Should Think about Politics.” At that study he reminded us that we must examine our own biases and use the Bible as our standard for our beliefs and morals.

At one of the studies someone brought up that there is so much division in the Church due to politics, traditions, and theology, and asked how we are supposed to rectify that.

My immediate response was, “It begins with us.”

Christians are called to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Jesus, Matthew 5:9). Obviously, we cannot solve all the world’s problems in one day and immediately and cause peace. That is something that only God can and will do. However, each of us can make an intentional decision to be an instrument of peace in the lives of others.

When our beliefs differ from someone else’s, we must treat them with love and respect instead of anger and hostility. This takes work. It requires that we make a conscious effort to speak and act in a way that does not cause division.

Look to Jesus as an example of peace, for he is the Prince of Peace. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated Christmas when our Prince was born into this world to bring us salvation. We read in Isaiah 9:

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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.

We are promised that Jesus’ reign will bring about a peace that will not end. Not only will there be peace between one another, but there will also be peace between us and God.

Peace begins with us.

It begins with asking the Holy Spirit for peace, as well as other fruit of the Spirit such as love, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
It begins by confessing your sins to God so that you have peace with him.
It begins with not responding to someone’s hate-filled comment on a social media post.
It begins with taking the higher ground and not always needing to be right.
It begins in our homes, with our loved ones.
And it begins in our churches.

So, how will you be a peacemaker today?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15

Listen to “Let There Be Peace on Earth” here.

Click here to read a previous Selah Saturday for more on the importance of unity within the Body of Christ based on the song, “City on Our Knees.”