What do you think of when you hear the word peace? I think of a quiet day at home, sitting alone on the porch: a place or a time where it is calm and serene. Peace is something that we can have with God and with others.
Nelson’s Bible dictionary tells us that peace has several different meanings.
“The Old Testament meaning of peace was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps. 119:165). Peace sometimes had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps. 4:8), contentment (Is. 26:3), prosperity (Ps. 122:6-7) and the absence of war (1 Sam. 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, means “peace” and was a wish for peace. In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ.” (2014)
Ephesians 6:15 says, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (ESV)
A Roman soldier’s shoes were leather, with thick soles and many straps to keep them on tight. These shoes helped soldiers walk long distances without hurting their feet. The soles had small metal studs that gave them a good grip so they wouldn’t slip while marching or fighting.
Before we surrendered our lives to Christ, we were at odds with God because of our sins. Christ’s death on the cross paid the debt we owned, making us have peace with God.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom 5:1 ESV
Just like a Roman soldier’s shoes provided a firm footing in battle, the peace we have with God through Christ helps us stand against the devil’s attacks. The devil cannot shame us for our sins because of what Chris has done for us.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 states, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (ESV)
One other thing we have to do is sharing the gospel with others. As you see above, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 says we are to be “ambassadors for Christ.” We are to go and spread what Christ has done for us so that others may have peace with God.
We will never have peace in the world until Christ returns, but people can have peace in their hearts because of God’s saving grace. As believers, we need to share that message with the world.
When we interact with people, we should share the peace God has given us. So go and spread the peace of God to everyone.
Reference
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary Editor Ronald F. Youngblood (2014)
