Throughout 2023, a recurring theme has emerged in almost every aspect of my life. In the Bible, other books, podcasts, conversations with friends and family, sermons, it all seems to come back to this one idea: pursuing peace.
“Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13b, NET). “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people” (Romans 12:18). “…live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1b–3, NET).
These are just a few of the many places the New Testament calls us to prioritize peace. Christians are to be people striving to live at peace with everyone.
And it’s not just a command that we’re given. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Desiring and pursuing peace is evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives. We are to be people who build up rather than tear down. But what does that really mean?
Pursuing peace means being convictional and kind
Being a peacemaker1 doesn’t mean capitulating to calls to abandon genuine biblical convictions. We also don’t pursue peace by speaking out of both sides of our mouths on key issues. Christians are convictional people. We have specific beliefs from which we cannot depart and continue to call ourselves Christian in any meaningful way.
But holding to our convictions doesn’t mean being combative or cruel in articulating them. It is possible to be both convictional and kind. We want to be firm in our most deeply held beliefs, but also listen to the views and perspectives of others. To learn how to disagree like a Christian as we say no to the desire for an easy reward that social media happily enflames.
Pursuing peace means choosing to build others up
In an interview on the Reconstructing Faith podcast, Ian Harber described a confrontation he had with someone he respected when he had largely rejected Christianity. This individual found Harber’s criticisms of the church and Christianity disingenuous. It wasn’t because there aren’t valid criticisms to be made, but because Harber had no skin in the game. He wasn’t a part of a church and wasn’t trying to make anything better. He was tearing down without being a part of rebuilding.
And that’s key to pursuing peace. We want to build up others—to strengthen and encourage them. That does mean there’s a place for strong critique and criticism. But that criticism should come with a desire to be a part of rebuilding something better, in as much as possible2.
Pursuing peace in this way may also mean taking responsibility to make amends with those we’ve wronged. To send the email or text message that comes to mind occasionally. To sit down for coffee with someone who is willing and ask forgiveness, with no expectation that it will be given.
Taking the harder road
Pursuing peace is not easy. It is hard work. Challenging work that may, in the short term, seem to bear little fruit. But this work is always worth pursuing. It is what God wants for us. It is what is good for the church and the world. And he will be glorified in it.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
