Peace While In Conflict

By: Merle Farris

Home > Learning Center > Devotional Articles

Every good heart surely yearns for peace. Yet, in our world today we are confronted with conflict every way we turn. Even sporting events in recent days have resulted in unusual conflict. "Professional" (?) basketball players have gone into the stands to attack spectators who were apparently being verbally abusive. Two football teams got into such a conflict near the end of a game that both colleges have decided not to accept invitations to bowl games as a consequence. A legendary coach has this deplorable incident as a part of his record -- his last game in an otherwise stellar career.

Then there are the wars which are ongoing in Afghanistan and Iraq. Terrorist activity has become world-wide and many innocent men, women, and children are being killed needlessly.

Conflicts in families abound. Right here in Lakeland this past week, a man shot his estranged wife and later committed suicide. A mother was reported to have cut the arms off her eleven-month-old daughter.

In view of these conflicts and many others that could enumerated or that you recall from following the news, how are we to fulfill the yearning for peace in our hearts? Far too often, we have been frustrated in fulfilling our desire for peace by seeking it in the wrong places. It is not found in human achievement, the pursuit of pleasure, indulging in the sinful pleasures or the acclaim of others. If we are to have peace, we must hear and heed the voice of the Prince of Peace.

"...we can have and maintain peace with God if we walk in the light of His Word."

Jesus talked of peace often. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...I have said this to you, that in Me, you may have peace...." Paul informs us in Ephesians 2:17, "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near."

Jesus offers peace with God. We have no greater need than to be friends with God. This is where Jesus comes in: He made peace for us by the blood of His cross -- He reconciled us to God. Paul says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). We contact His saving blood in the watery grave of baptism. We have our conscience cleared (Hebrews 10:22) and Peter adds that baptism is "the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).

Regardless how much conflict we may experience in this life or learn of in the world, we can have and maintain peace with God if we walk in the light of His Word. Paul reminded the Philippian brethren that "...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7). Only Jesus offers the peace our hearts yearn and long for -- appropriate it for your life to successfully navigate this world of conflict!

Home | Search | Welcome Center | Learning Center