Make the Missing Peace

You will not find Peace; you need to make it.

There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. Rom. 3:10-11, 16-17

There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked. Is. 48:22

Jesus was the first to make Peace.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Is. 9:6

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. Eph 2:14-17

God desires us to make peace with others.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Mt. 5:9

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for… Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Prov 3:13-14, 17

As much as depends on you – make peace.

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:16-18

Pursue the ingredients of peace.

Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Prov. 16:7

The individual ingredients are unpleasant and distasteful.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Is. 53:5

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 Jn. 3:16

1. Submission – Submit to Authority.

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thess. 5:12-13

2. Don’t Contend – Hold Your Peace.

Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. Prov. 17:28

He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. Prov. 11:12

If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. Prov. 29:9

3. Expect to be wronged and mistreated.

Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:9-11

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Rom. 8:28

4. Act in a way to make peace… do not react.

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Mt. 5:39-41

5. Absorb wrongs, don’t seek to get even but rather to do good.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:19-21

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:5-7

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Col. 3:15

Peace is baked in the heat of self-sacrifice.

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23