“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, CSB)
One day, Jesus and the disciples were traveling through Samaritan land. During that time, the Jews and Samaritans were in a Cold War. Both distrusted, hated, and despised the other for religious and historical reasons. One unnamed town wouldn’t offer the travelers any hospitality because they were heading toward Jerusalem. “When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (Luke 9:54, CSB) Luke doesn’t give us the details of what happened next. The text simply reads, “But he turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.” (Luke 9:55–56, CSB) Later manuscripts add, “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And they went on to another village.” (Luke 9:55–56, NASB95) The disciples were upset and felt wronged, but Jesus called them to peace.
Many of God’s promises are based on the principles of receiving and giving. We have received love and peace from Christ and are to offer peace, love, and unity to others. John, from above, would learn that lesson well. In the New Testament, we see him go from being a Son of Thunder to an Apostle of God’s Love and Unity. He wrote, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him” (1 John 3:18–19, NASB95) And, “No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12, NASB95) That is far from “Let’s call down some fire to destroy.”
Many think that the peace we are to offer has limits or boundaries. That somehow peace is required to our brothers and sisters in Christ but not to others. That line is drawn in many different ways. But where did Jesus draw the line? He taught, “But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil.” (Luke 6:35, CSB) I don’t see a line in Christ’s teaching, do you?
Paul wrote, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, CSB) The benefit of this promise is rest. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, CSB) As we submit to the Prince of Peace, we gain peace. As we gain peace in Christ we become peacemakers in the world around us, both close to home and in distant lands.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
- John 13:35
- Psalm 133:1
- 1 John 2:10
- Matthew 5:9
- 1 John 3:14
- Proverbs 12:20
- 1 John 4:12
- Proverbs 25:21-22
- 1 John 3:18-19
- 1 Peter 3:9
- Luke 6:35
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