And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Luke 2:13-14
Our world often speaks of peace. The Bible speaks of peace, too:
Peace with God - that's the peace between man and God. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Romans 5:1)
Peace of God - the peace that we can have internally. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
Peace with others - this is peace we can experience when we have the first two: peace with God and the peace of God. "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." (Romans 14:19)
Aren't these three forms of peace the kind we really desire? It begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we confess our sins and give ourselves to Him, we are reconciled with God; no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). He then gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us and give us the internal peace that we need to face life's trials and disappointments. Finally, He teaches us how to have peace with others -- even when they are anything but peacemakers themselves. There can be peace on earth. Not as the world gives, but as Christ gives.
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