Are We Peaceful or Passive?

At some point in our lives, conflicts with others inevitably arise. It does not matter how kind, gentle, and patient we are, because even these traits can embitter some based on how they interpret our motives. It also does not matter if our convictions are rooted in what is right, for some will firmly disagree and become our enemies. These circumstances should not surprise us. Even without consulting the Scriptures we understand that conflict is part of what it means to live life. Yet our society has steadily trended toward the mistaken idea that conflict can be totally avoided. In fact, it not only can be totally avoided, but conflict in and of itself is viewed as bad. This leaves no room for discussions over disagreements, requests for forgiveness, or mutual understanding. What this produces is more conflict. Just because a problem is swept under the rug does not mean the problem ceases to exist! The question then becomes whether we strive for peace with those who oppose us or if we are simply passive with the thought that, maybe, just maybe, they will leave us alone. What would Scripture encourage us to pursue?
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            We should first understand that God is a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper. The distinction is that the former puts forth effort to produce peace while the latter maintains the peace that exists. God’s character shows us why this distinction matters. Both Old and New Testament teach us that because of sin, we are God’s enemies. We were subject to His divine wrath as a result (Ephesians 2:1-3). Rather than remain idle in this circumstance, God chose to pursue peace through His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7). It is why Paul declares Jesus is Himself our peace (Ephesians 2:14-16). Only through Christ was peace possible, and only because of God’s desire to make peace was Christ’s coming possible. Were it not for God being a peacemaker, we would remain lost in sin and subject to His wrath. This thought alone should alert us to the importance of peacemaking rather than peacekeeping.

            In addition to God’s actions, we must consider Jesus’ teachings on peace. In His Sermon on the Mount, He pronounced a blessing on those who are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). He did not bless the peacekeepers, nor did He encourage His hearers to be passive and wish for the best. Later in this sermon, Jesus speaks of a circumstance where you recall that your brother has something against you as you come to worship. In this situation, the Savior says it is you—not your brother—who should seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). Carefully consider what Jesus says. It is your brother, not you, who is offended. In our thinking, it is his obligation to come and tell us about our offense. That is not what Jesus says. Whether you are right, wrong, or anywhere in-between, Jesus teaches us to make peace with others to the best of our ability. That reality grates against a culture which encourages senseless outrage and constant offense, for it tells us that we have an obligation to resolve conflict no matter the circumstance. It demands courage and the willingness to confront problems head-on. Anything less will be a failure to make peace.

            Through Paul, Jesus teaches us more about what it means to be peacemakers. An understudied and easily overlooked text says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). It is easy to assume that the peace of which Paul speaks is what we feel within because of God’s providential work. The word “rule,” however, changes the impact of the text. In the Greek language that term refers to what controls a person’s decisions. Put simply, then, if the peace of God rules our lives, then our every decision will revolve around what makes peace. That takes the matter beyond a mere feeling and places it in the realm of everyday living. Whenever we interact with others, we always choose words and actions that make peace, not conflict. That means we cannot bite back at others when they speak ill of us. That means we cannot reward evil deeds committed against us with more evil deeds. That means we cannot be passive in how we live our lives if we would have peace in it.

            We must be people who pursue peace. We cannot be passive in our efforts to have peace with others. While we understand that enemies will arise who care nothing for peace, it does not change the fact that we will do all that we can to make it a reality (Romans 12:18). It is time for us to grow up and realize that it is not about what others say and do but about what we say and do. No one can force us to think or react in evil ways. The only way that will happen is if we fall into temptation. Let us then seek to be peacemakers who resolve conflict rather than pacifists who ignore it.