Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Follow the Things Which Make For

◄ Peace: Saints should Follow the Things Which Make For ►

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In the Christian tradition, peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that stems from a right relationship with God and others. The Bible frequently exhorts believers to pursue peace, emphasizing its importance in the life of a saint. This entry explores the biblical mandate for Christians to follow the things that make for peace, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The call to pursue peace is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively seek to create and maintain peace.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Romans 14:19, he writes, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification" . Here, Paul encourages believers to prioritize actions and attitudes that foster peace and build up the community of faith. This pursuit is not passive but requires intentional effort and discernment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, peace is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. It is a divine attribute that believers are called to cultivate in their lives through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The pursuit of peace involves aligning one's heart and actions with God's will, promoting reconciliation, and living in harmony with others.

The concept of peace in the Bible is closely linked to the Hebrew word "shalom," which encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. This holistic understanding of peace implies that saints should strive for wholeness in their relationships, both vertically with God and horizontally with fellow human beings.

Practical Application

In practical terms, following the things which make for peace involves several key actions:

1. Reconciliation: Saints are called to be agents of reconciliation, seeking to mend broken relationships and resolve conflicts. This aligns with the teaching in 2 Corinthians 5:18, which states that God "has given us the ministry of reconciliation" .

2. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a crucial component of peace-making. Believers are urged to forgive others as God has forgiven them, as seen in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" .

3. Unity: The pursuit of peace involves striving for unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" .

4. Gentleness and Humility: A peaceful disposition is characterized by gentleness and humility. James 3:17 describes the wisdom from above as "peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" .

Challenges and Encouragement

While the pursuit of peace is a noble calling, it is not without challenges. The presence of sin and human frailty often leads to discord and strife. However, believers are encouraged to persevere in their efforts, trusting in God's grace and strength. Romans 12:18 offers practical guidance: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" .

Ultimately, the pursuit of peace is a reflection of the believer's commitment to living out the gospel. It is an expression of the transformative power of Christ's love and a testament to the hope of eternal peace in God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... darkness, strong winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over all ... Still, those
in whom this peace is to be found ... he is unworthy of it; and it should fill him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... fact of their election, lest it should be a ... be that, although they were real saints,
nevertheless they ... Saviour Jesus Christ: 2. Grace and peace be multiplied ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

The Peace of God
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... tempted to judge; and if I judged, I should most
certainly ... and so they spend their lives without peace, longing, struggling ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... But we should not vainly run ... we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace. ... God from the beginning led, redeemed and saved his saints by two ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... be said of Christians; they could have peace and pleasure ... to the extent of claiming
for the saints not only ... left us an example that we should follow his steps ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Baptismal Regeneration
... my soul is worth to hold my peace any longer ... in regeneration by this operation, whether
saints or sinners ... reasons, I think that baptism should follow believing. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/baptismal regeneration.htm

Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent
... which signifies, consider the lives of God's saints, and look ... brought to the things
that make for his eternal peace. ... so that our love towards God should be the ...
/.../iii sermon for the third.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... He lost his peace, he felt the terrors of the Almighty in ... If any of God's people
should be tampering with sin ... God, do work together for the good of the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

How to Keep the Heart
... which God in this promise confers upon the saints, is "THE ... He who has peace with
God will set his whole heart ... is a thing worth my following; why should I leave ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/how to keep the heart.htm

Psalm IV.
... the tribute money is rendered to him, so should the soul ... and rest, where the most
perfect peace cannot be ... and singleness is observed among the saints: of whom ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iv.htm