Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Speak

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In the Christian tradition, peace is a profound and multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of harmony, wholeness, and spiritual well-being. The Bible frequently exhorts believers, often referred to as saints, to be ambassadors of peace, both in their actions and in their speech.

Biblical Foundation

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

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages believers to embody peace in their interactions. In Ephesians 4:29, he writes, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This instruction highlights the importance of using speech to edify and foster peace among the community of believers.

The Role of Speech in Promoting Peace

Speech is a powerful tool that can either build up or tear down. The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the impact of words, stating, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Saints are called to use their words to diffuse tension and promote understanding, reflecting the peace of Christ in their interactions.

James, the brother of Jesus, also emphasizes the significance of speech in the life of a believer. He writes, "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" (James 3:17). This passage suggests that true wisdom, which is characterized by peace, should be evident in the way saints communicate.

Practical Application

The call for saints to speak peace is not merely theoretical but has practical implications for daily life. Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their words, ensuring that they align with the principles of love and reconciliation. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" . This guidance serves as a reminder that speech should be both gracious and impactful, contributing to the peace and unity of the body of Christ.

Furthermore, the pursuit of peace through speech extends beyond the church community to interactions with the broader world. In Romans 12:18, Paul exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This directive challenges saints to be proactive in seeking peace, using their words to bridge divides and foster reconciliation wherever possible.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for saints to speak peace is a call to reflect the character of Christ in all interactions. Through gracious and edifying speech, believers are to be instruments of God's peace, promoting harmony and unity within the church and the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 10:3
For Mordecai the Jew was next to king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brothers, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... Brethren, may we live in peace with God, with men ... savor make a whole district nauseous,
so saints, who have ... We should speak to ones and twos if we could reach ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... tedious will become delightful; and you will then feel,
with a peace that the ... To whom should we speak with attention if not to God ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

The Power of an Endless Life
... It is impossible that he should be holden of death ... Here is the patience of the saints,
the glorious courage of patriots, martyrs ... "I am in as great peace," said he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/iii the power of an.htm

Psalm III.
... peace," because his father had the peace, which he ... of Christ another way; which is
that whole Christ should speak. ... is the prayer of all the Saints, the odour ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iii.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 20
... that when the second was moved to prophesy the first should speak? ... not a God of
confusion, but of peace, as [I teach] in all the Churches of the saints." [246 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... suffered me to work this iniquity, that two tribes should be destroyed in ... shall give
to them who call upon Him everlasting peace; and the saints shall rest ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

Letter Xlvi (Circa AD 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the ...
... And should I presume to make myself heard ... will hear what the Lord God will say unto
me; for He shall speak peace unto His people, and to His saints, and to ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlvi circa a d 1125.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... and thought, with sweet comfort and peace, of my God ... must be placed among the praying
saints"one whom ... great New Englander, purity of heart should be ingrained ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

All Saints' Day
... Blessed are the peace- makers: for they shall be ... the bliss of that everlasting All
Saints' Day which ... and every created spirit likewise, should be annihilated ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... There is a peace of wilfulness and violence in faith, that ... he pleaseth." This was
enough to quiet the saints in old ... Should he give account of his matters to us ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii thou shall keep.htm