Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Cultivate

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Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a vital aspect of the Christian life that believers are called to cultivate diligently. The Bible presents peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as a profound sense of well-being and harmony that stems from a right relationship with God and others. This peace is both a gift from God and a responsibility for the saints to nurture.

Biblical Foundation

The call to cultivate peace is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This declaration underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively pursue peace.

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to live in peace. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). This instruction highlights the believer's responsibility to strive for peace, acknowledging that while it may not always be possible, the effort is essential.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is listed among the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . This indicates that peace is a natural outgrowth of a life led by the Holy Spirit. As believers yield to the Spirit's work, peace becomes an integral part of their character and interactions.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Peace

1. Prayer and Supplication: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . Through prayer, believers can experience divine peace that transcends circumstances.

2. Pursuing Reconciliation: Jesus instructs His followers to seek reconciliation actively. In Matthew 5:23-24, He advises, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" . This emphasizes the priority of mending relationships as a pathway to peace.

3. Living in Harmony: Paul urges the church in Ephesus to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). This involves humility, gentleness, and patience, fostering an environment where peace can thrive.

4. Overcoming Evil with Good: Romans 12:21 instructs, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" . By responding to hostility with kindness and love, believers can break cycles of conflict and promote peace.

The Role of Peace in the Christian Community

Peace is essential for the health and witness of the Christian community. Colossians 3:15 states, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" . The peace of Christ serves as an umpire in the hearts of believers, guiding decisions and fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the peace that believers cultivate on earth is a foretaste of the eternal peace promised in the kingdom of God. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the "Prince of Peace," whose reign will establish everlasting peace. As saints cultivate peace, they reflect the character of Christ and anticipate the fulfillment of God's promise of eternal peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 120:7
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Antitype of the Christian Home.
... The saints on earth and the inhabitants of heaven ... on the banks of the river of peace,
And bathe ... In our tent-home, we should cultivate spiritual longings after ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxviii the antitype of.htm

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
... care." In the modern sense of careful, no one should be more ... "The God of peace will
be ... phrase to the certainty of the ultimate salvation of all true saints . . ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter xi purity and peace.htm

Spiritual Desolation.
... see God while we remain here on earth; hence the saints have yearned ... Nevertheless,
when we do fall into some fault, we should not lose our peace of soul ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/6 spiritual desolation.htm

The Epistles of Clement
... Chapter XIV.--We Should Obey God Rather Than the Authors ... We Must Adhere to Those
Who Cultivate Peace, Not to ... Chapter XVII.--The Saints as Examples of Humility. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/keith/the epistles of clement/

How to Keep the Heart
... God in this promise confers upon the saints, is "THE ... should not fail him, though
providence should run to a ... lose the prospect of enjoying a peace that passeth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/how to keep the heart.htm

Ephesians ii. 11, 12
... Making peace," more especially ... been easily reconciled, as, eg, in the case of the
saints and before ... than all, "having slain," so that it never should rise again ...
/.../homily v ephesians ii 11.htm

The Heart of Woman; the Necessity of Regulating it During Youth.
... to the philosophers, undiscovered by the saints, unspoken of ... being able to give it
that peace which it ... You should imitate those intelligent gardeners who pay a ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iii the heart of.htm

The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
... Chapter XIV.--We should obey God rather than the authors ... We must adhere to those
who cultivate peace, not to ... Chapter XVII.--The saints as examples of humility. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/clement/the first epistle of clement to the corinthians/

The Broad Wall
... I have lost none." He will keep all the saints even to ... of his crown is gone; for
if there should be one ... "Now," saith he, "I am at rest and peace; the destroyer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the broad wall.htm

Pastor in Parish (ii. ).
... of our work; and that discretion we should seek prayerfully ... dying in the brightest
joy and peace, won from ... woman, JN In long past years loving saints found her ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter viii pastor in parish.htm