Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Love

◄ Peace: Saints should Love ►

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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 originates from God. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of the Christian life. Saints, or believers, are called to love peace, pursue it, and embody it in their interactions with others.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of peace among believers. 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 seek and promote peace.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently exhorts the early Christian communities to live in peace. In Romans 12:18, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peace but encourages believers to strive for it as much as it depends on them.

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 passage highlights that peace is a natural outcome of a life led by the Holy Spirit. It is both a gift and a responsibility for believers to cultivate.

Pursuing Peace

The call to pursue peace is reiterated in Hebrews 12:14: "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This verse links peace with holiness, suggesting that a peaceful disposition is integral to a sanctified life. The pursuit of peace is not passive but requires intentional effort and a heart aligned with God's will.

Peace in the Church

The early church was encouraged to maintain peace within its community. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is essential for the church's witness to the world and its internal health. Peace acts as a binding force that holds the community together in love and mutual respect.

Peace with God

Ultimately, peace among saints is rooted in the peace they have with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This reconciliation with God is the foundation for all other forms of peace, enabling believers to extend grace and forgiveness to others.

Practical Expressions of Peace

Saints are encouraged to express their love for peace through practical actions. This includes resolving conflicts, forgiving offenses, and promoting reconciliation. Colossians 3:15 advises, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful." Allowing Christ's peace to govern one's heart leads to a life marked by gratitude and harmony.

In summary, the love of peace is a defining characteristic of the Christian life. It reflects the nature of God, who is the ultimate source of peace, and it is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 8:19
Thus said the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
... man safely talketh but he who loveth to hold his peace. ... The boldness of the Saints
was always full of the ... is very profitable unto many that they should not be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xx of the love.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... Therefore let all carnal and natural men hold their peace concerning the state of
the Saints, for they ... And even if any one should know who were holier than ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... GIFTS OF GOD'S CHOSEN: AND HOW SAINTS COME TO ... to behold God; and everlasting peace
shall discomfit and ... dregs, and armed with cleanness, should exercise himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... Many fear lest peace and trading go, but not lest ... He were a strange king that should
rule without laws. ... God's picture, we love His image shining in the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

The Twentieth Chapter: the Love of Solitude and Silence
... More than this, the security of the saints was always ... to idle gossip, you would have
remained in greater peace. ... it is only right that you should suffer sorrow ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twentieth chapter the love.htm

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... grant they should be tender of offending the saints. ... and perverse generation," among
whom we should shine "as ... Then, Thirdly, Charity follows peace with all men ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ...
... dissension, but of peace"of that peace which consists ... should humble himself before
Me and should rise up ... himself and the perfection of the saints, acts much ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifty-eighth chapter high matters.htm

Letter xxv. --God Only Desires what we are Able to Give.
... for the sacrifice itself, but only that I should be willing ... has been the same with
many of the saints who had a ... by the devil to make you lose the peace of your ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xxv god only desires what.htm

Love's Logic
... it cannot blossom with the fair flowers of peace and joy, except ... O love the Lord
ye his saints. ... "Oh," saith one, "it cannot be that God should love an unloving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of His Saints. ... also, and then shall
there be peace on earth ... and marvellous thing, that any brother should, from his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm