The Power of Peace
Photo by Pedro Lima on Unsplash
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27) These words of Jesus are a promise and a reassurance that we are not alone as we encounter difficulties in life.
In the face of life's challenges, have you ever questioned the ability to discern the difference between what the world offers and what the Lord has in store for you? The Kingdom of Heaven operates within and alongside creation to renew and heal. Unfortunately, we often miss it. Peace can feel elusive when surrounded by pain, suffering, brokenness, and division. The harsh realities of human life can make Jesus' comforting words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid," seem unattainable.
In Ephesians 6:12, we are told that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Yet, throughout history, we can see how humanity has chosen to fight many battles with one another to gain power, wealth, or land at the cost of human life—many times under the influence of “Christian” beliefs.
In Christ's life, death, and resurrection, we are assured that original sin has been reversed and that New Life is our eternal promise instead of death. However, until death comes upon everything as we know it, we experience only in part what the fullness of resurrection looks like. Jesus came into the world to offer humanity peace among suffering and death. His life was about helping his disciples, friends, and strangers see and know the depth of God's Love for the world—even the world broken deeply by the darkness of selfishness, greed, and abuse of power.
On the Cross, Jesus did not cry out for revenge in the face of death. As Jesus spoke to God the Creator on our behalf, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Too often, in our quest for God to love us, we are taught and believe that our right action and belief saves us. We focus on sin as something that we can get rid of. In Scripture, we are invited to avoid sin and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior. While this invitation is excellent and trustworthy, we lose something when our primary focus is believing that our actions are what allows God to love us. We do not need to go on a quest for God to love us. We are loved because we are created in the image of God, and God is Love.
Over the years, I have become acutely aware of how Christians think differently. I am part of several Christian communities through church, homeschooling, ministry-related nonprofits, and the soul care ministry of Spiritual Direction. Within these experiences of groups and individuals, the diversity of what everyone thinks is right and good is astonishing. I have encountered a variety of opinions around "right" beliefs, politics, raising children, and social media, to name a few. From the conservative to the liberal and everything in between, Christians attempt to walk without sin and acknowledge Jesus as Lord, believing they act in good conscience according to their beliefs taught from Scripture. How does one discern the spirit of truth among all the differing Christian beliefs coming from the same trusted, inspired text?
With the dark powers of evil at work in the world, it is not that far of a stretch to see how one could unintentionally stray away from the love of God and neighbor. When fear, anxiety, deep sadness, loneliness, suffering, and death are our companions, it can be near impossible to discern the way of mercy, justice, compassion, joy, peace, and Life. At this very time, as countries are divided, some at war, some on the brink of war, we can be comforted by the words of Jesus, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Knowing our own poverty and need for forgiveness in light of everyday life can bring us great compassion. Henry Nowen suggests, "It is precisely when we see and experience poverty, whether far away, close by, or in our own hearts, that we need to become the Church of the poor, which is the body of Christ." If we could indeed have the vision of Jesus, we would live in humility, not condemnation, as we encounter friends, strangers, and even enemies. The laying down of our life would seem small within the encompassing power of resurrected Love.
In the words of Jesus before his death, he desired and invited us into peace. Jesus showed us that laying down one's life is when death can no longer be the final answer. In Christ, all death is concluded with resurrection. In death, the power of the Holy Spirit gives comfort and life. Peace was embodied as Jesus showed us that in death, he lives. With the power of the resurrection, we receive peace as the parting gift of Jesus. We live because Jesus loved all of us, from the right to the left and everyone in between, enough to speak the powerful words, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Jesus invites his followers to walk with him in peace. May you find great comfort, joy, and peace today, knowing that it is not a series of correct beliefs and the complete absence of sin that saves you. It is God's Love for humanity in the human form of Jesus that did, and is, and will continue to save the world. May we take these words of Jesus to heart. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Quiet reflection Questions
Where is Jesus inviting you into his peace today?
Where are you invited to love someone who thinks differently from you today?
Our greatest hope is to believe in the power of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. What is your invitation from Jesus as you consider what it means to lay down your life for another?
Suppose you need a friend to listen to you as you discern the Spirit of God in your life. We at LifePoint see it as a gift and privilege to walk alongside you on your journey.