Peace

The word Peace is everywhere! We hear it at Christmastime and even in our daily lives. Christmas songs about Peace abound—like Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Let There Be Peace on Earth, Peace I Leave With You, and countless more. World Peace is often a wish or dream for many of us. The word Peace is mentioned at least 429 times in the Holy Bible. Jesus mentioned it at least 23 times!

Many Bible verses have beautiful and inspiring messages of Peace: John 14:27 talks about hope in Peace when Jesus said to his disciples and friends, "Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give to you." Galatians 5:22 says that one of the seven fruits of the spirit is Peace. In John 20:19, Jesus greeted his disciples with "Peace be with you!" It is used as a send-off in Romans 15:33, "May the Peace of God be with you all. Amen." 

Another familiar verse is Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." One that has a profound message is found in Romans 12:18, which says that "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live Peaceably with all."

Many of us, especially those who are in times of trials and tribulations, living in war-torn countries, in troubled relationships or broken homes, having troubled minds, or even kids who are bullied, and much more, would wonder where that Peace is. Why is it so elusive? Is "Peace on earth" even a possibility?

As Christians, we know we can find Peace in Jesus Christ through our personal relationship with Him. But how about those who are still struggling to find that Peace? Where can they turn to find even a glimmer of hope for Peace? The answer is not simple; it is hard! Yet, it is possible!

We can start by loving each other as ourselves, as Jesus taught us. As of 2024, there are about 2.63 billion Christians worldwide. If every year, each Christian could love one person as they love themselves, there would be 2.63 billion more that will at least have that hope for Peace.

Hope for Peace! Sometimes, people only have hope to keep them living! If by loving, we can bring healing and wholeness to just one person, maybe, just maybe, Peace on Earth can be true to that person. Love one another, and we can be that instrument of Peace!

Shalom! Peace! 

*All Bible verses are taken from the
NIV translation unless otherwise stated.

Written by:

Ibalyn Ramos