Live In Harmony

Jesus’ disciples help us by giving practical illustrations and guidance on how to live out the “gospel of peace.” They witnessed how Jesus lived and heard what he taught on this subject and after Pentecost they became bold witnesses for Jesus and implemented a life of peacemaking as they understood it.

As a leader in the first century church, the Apostle Peter’s actions and teachings give us helpful insights. As we saw in my last “Reflections,” Peter’s vision and his subsequent journey to the house of Cornelius provide evidence of how Peter understood the message of Jesus about peacemaking in a very practical way. He now realized that the good news of the Kingdom of God was for all people and that God was not limiting his message to the Jews. This meant that Peter had to violate practices of his day that forbade association with non-Jews -- which he did and for which he was repeatedly persecuted.

Peter’s first letter, written to Jewish and Gentile Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, was intended to encourage these young believers to live holy lives. After explaining that the God who called them was “holy,” he argued that Christians should therefore “be holy in all you do.” Peter then described what this meant in terms of practical living.

Here are Peter’s insights in his own words (I Peter 3):

• “Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic and humble.”
• “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing . . . .”
• “Turn from evil and do good; . . . seek peace and pursue it.”
• “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Peter’s instructions are not idealistic, utopian statements, but practical counsel that he learned from Jesus. Later Peter warned that people would speak maliciously against Christians and that they will suffer for their faith, but he encouraged his readers with these words: “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (I Peter 3:17).

In a similar way, the Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, also shared with his friends what it meant to follow Jesus and to live as a peacemaker. In his letter to a Jewish audience, one of the earliest of all New Testament writings, James demonstrated his great familiarity with Jesus’ teaching and his central concern that faith be linked to action. James persuasively argues that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).

One of James’ great insights is his discussion of how wisdom is related to shalom and then how shalom is linked to the “harvest of righteousness (justice),” a link that reminds us of Isaiah’s prophecies. James puts it this way: “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).

To Jesus’ brother, taking actions that nurture peace would result in creating conditions of justice. But James also warned believers to be patient and trust that God will bring the “harvest of righteousness” he promised.

So What?

• The Bible is a helpful guide for living a productive, healthy life. It has so many powerful insights about how to live in peace, how to confront injustice, how to deal with conflict, and how to build a more just world. This is why regular Bible reading is such an important discipline for followers of Jesus. Have you made it a part of your daily routine?
• I am not a “bumper-sticker guy,” but once in awhile I see one that really grabs my attention. Here’s a favorite: “Peace & Justice: Weapons of Mass Instruction.” Have you seen any lately that focus attention on peacemaking?
• Have you had any experiences within your family, social life or work you can share that helped you see some of the powerful links between peace, justice and wisdom?