How to Find Peace With God, Others, and Yourself

Jesus promised us peace (Jn 14:27).  It is our birthright as Christians.  But the Bible also says that peace will only be ours if we seek it and pursue it (1 Pt 3:11).  How do we seek and pursue peace?  There are three kinds of peace that we crave, and each requires a different strategy.  

1) Peace with God.  A right relationship with God.  The confidence that God has forgiven you, and adopted you, and is preparing a home in heaven for you.  Peace with God is only available through Jesus Christ.  He died on the cross for our sins so that we might have peace with God.  We receive this gift through faith in Christ.  “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).”

2) Peace with men.  The absence of conflict in your relationships with others.  This requires that you be a peacemaker, working hard to get along with others.  You must "fight for peace," as my wife says to our children.  “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).”  An old preacher gave this three-fold advice to achieve peace with men.  1) Be careful not to give offense when needless, or, when it may innocently be avoided.  2) Be careful not to take offense, especially in small matters.  3) If any needless offense has been given or taken, we must put a stop to it right away.

3) Peace with yourself.  Inner peace.  Peace of mind.  "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7)."  To have peace of mind you must understand the things that steal your peace and get rid of them.  Inner tranquility is hindered by a guilty conscience, worry, lust, discontentment, jealousy, covetousness, regret, lack of assurance, etc.  The more you overcome these, the more you will experience God's peace.  At the same time, the Bible tells us that inner peace is the result of faith (Is 26:2), prayer and thanksgiving (Phil 4:6-7), and devotion to the will of God (Is 32:17).  

You can live a life of peace.  It is what God wants for you, and from you.  It is what God has promised to give you.  But you must seek peace and pursue it.