Hebrews 13: 20-25
What does the God of peace desire? He desires peace between Himself and a rebellious humanity. Christ bled and died to make reconciliation possible. Christ did not stay dead; His father raised him from the grave. In most conflicts, the side that surrenders loses. In the war between God and humanity, the opposite is true. When we lay down arms and accept God’s grace and forgiveness, we become the winners. We lose nothing and gain eternity. We gain a savior who loves us and becomes our shepherd. Having achieved peace with us, God we now begins to help us find peace within ourselves. Guilt, envy, lust and all manner of emotions have caused us to be troubled and at war within. We did not know peace, but now as our hearts line up with the will of God, we find peace and contentment.

When a righteous people align their hearts with God’s will, many of the conflicts of the world pass away. Among righteous people, there is no conflict between men and women, rich and poor, or black and white. Righteous people do not see others as part of a tribe or group; they see others as individuals. The God of peace desires for his children to live in peace with each other and the people of the world. Christ said being peacemakers would make us happy; even more important it would make us a source of happiness for others. Being a peacemaker does not come naturally; we need God’s help. He equips us to do his will, not as slaves but as laborers together with Christ. He helps us to forgive; He equips us to be patient in the midst of tribulation. He enables us to live in peace with humanity.

The God of peace desires for us to live in peace in every relationship but one. We can never have a peaceful relationship with sin. Living in peace with God, others and ourselves means that we will always be at war with evil.