“Strive for peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14) Paul instructs us like this, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN.” (Rom. 12:18) For the Jewish people peace is shalom. This is much more than the absence of conflict. Shalom is living a FLOURISHING life. When we strive for peace, we are doing much more than just separating two battling parties, or keeping our mouths shut when we don’t like something. Shalom is so much more than just neutrality. Shalom is why God made us! TO THRIVE not just survive; to understand life and see the value of it. To feel at one with God and others- like in the Garden of Eden. That is what we must pursue.
Jesus said, “The thief (devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may HAVE LIFE (zōē: the heavenly form of life), and that they may have it more ABUNDANTLY (perissos: beyond measure, superior, extraordinary).” (John 10:10) One of the major signs of the last days is wars and rumors of wars and we have seen more than our share in the USA in 2020. One of the ways we as Christians can stand out is by allowing God’s peace to RADIATE AND FLOURISH through us!!!
-Bill Stockham