Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Have, With Each Other

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Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a vital aspect of Christian life and community. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of harmony and unity that reflects the character of God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of peace among believers, urging them to live in harmony and love with one another.

Biblical Foundation

The call for peace among the saints is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This statement underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively pursue peace.

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to maintain peace within the body of Christ. 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 should be sincere and persistent.

Unity in the Body of Christ

Peace among believers is essential for the unity of the church. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 4:3, urging the saints to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . The unity of the Spirit is maintained through peace, which acts as a binding force that holds the community together.

In Colossians 3:15, Paul further instructs, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" . Here, peace is not only a communal goal but also a personal calling for each believer, reflecting the peace of Christ that should govern their interactions and relationships.

Practical Expressions of Peace

The New Testament provides practical guidance on how peace can be cultivated among believers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:13, Paul advises, "Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another" . This involves respecting and valuing each other, recognizing the contributions of fellow believers, and fostering an environment of mutual love and respect.

James, the brother of Jesus, also speaks to the practical outworking of peace, stating, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness" (James 3:18). This agricultural metaphor illustrates that peace is both a seed and a harvest, requiring intentional effort and resulting in a community characterized by righteousness.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to peace is clear, the reality of human relationships means that conflicts and disagreements will arise. The New Testament acknowledges these challenges but provides encouragement and solutions. In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul addresses a specific conflict, urging Euodia and Syntyche to "agree in the Lord" and asking others to assist them in reconciliation . This passage highlights the role of the community in supporting peace efforts and the importance of resolving disputes in a Christ-centered manner.

Ultimately, the peace that believers are called to embody and extend to one another is a reflection of the peace that God has made with humanity through Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:11, "Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" . This divine promise assures believers that their efforts toward peace are not in vain, for God Himself is present in their midst, fostering love and unity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 9:50
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, with which will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Peace of God
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... be tempted to judge; and if I judged, I should
most certainly ... who, heathen though he was, sought God, and the peace of God ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... reached when he travails in soul for the saints who in ... fervency, right at the foot
of the cross, should have a pre ... the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... as a good man used to say, anything of Christ, there should your love ... To all that
be in Rome, beloved of God, called saints: Grace to you and peace from God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... The saints stand in the faith and have peace only when, in ... To the saints of Jerusalem
and to those of the ... in common"and this the latter should have also, in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

All Saints' Day
... But, if such a man should find that it has taken ... strong winds and bad times, then
the Saints mourn over all ... Those who are now at peace will suffer from great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

2 Cor. xiii. 10
... For if ye should have joy of conscience and become complete ... of lesser things, of
wars and such peace as is ... an holy kiss," he added, "All the saints salute you.". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxx 2 cor xiii.htm

All Saints' Day
... What we should do on All Saints' Day is to place ... Blessed are the peace- makers: for
they shall be called ... the bliss of that everlasting All Saints' Day which St ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
... with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph.6 ... in addition to brotherly
love there should be kind ... The Voice that uttered, "Peace, be still," Has ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/some scriptures for daily practise.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... Why, just look at these saints:"a drivelling set of crying creatures, they never
have either peace or joy; they are ... "Why should I pluck out the sunbeam ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Ephesians ii. 17-22
... you." (John 16:27.) These are so many evidences of peace. ... He joins them with the
Saints and again returns to his ... And we should never so much as have heard of ...
/.../homily vi ephesians ii 17-22.htm