The topic of world peace is complex for Christians. On one hand, the Bible clearly calls Christians to be peacemakers and to seek peace. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). The apostle Paul wrote, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). God desires unity, not conflict, among people.
However, the Bible also recognizes that true lasting peace will not come through human efforts alone. Jeremiah wrote, “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). Only through Christ’s second coming will there be ultimate peace on the earth. Until then, Christians still strive for peace but understand its limitations in a fallen world.
With this balanced perspective, here are several principles for Christians regarding promoting world peace:
- Seek peace in personal relationships – Christians should model peacemaking in how they interact with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors (Romans 12:18).
- Advocate for peace – Christians can promote reconciliation, negotiation, and nonviolence in resolving conflicts locally and globally (Matthew 5:9). However, use discernment to evaluate political solutions.
- Preach the Gospel – Only through transformed hearts and lives can mankind experience true peace. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:15).
- Pray for peace – Believers should continually pray for unity and peace in families, churches, communities, and countries (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But realize lasting peace awaits Christ’s return.
- Participate in social reform – Seek justice, end oppression, care for the poor – these actions can reduce sources of conflict (Isaiah 1:17). But recognize human limitations.
- Obey governing authorities – Christians should model being good citizens, as government maintains civil order (Romans 13:1-7). However, civil disobedience may at times be required.
- Love enemies – Follow Jesus’ example and love those who persecute you. Overcome evil with good (Luke 6:27-36). But self-defense may be necessary.
- Avoid partisanship – Christian unity should transcend worldly divisions such as race, class, and politics. Focus on Christ (Galatians 3:28).
In summary, Christians have a complex calling regarding world peace. We strive earnestly for peace yet recognize its limits this side of eternity. We plant seeds of peace but understand true unity requires transformed hearts. We pray and labor for peace but acknowledge Christ’s return is when peace will finally prevail.
This calling requires wisdom and discernment. Some specific questions when promoting world peace include:
- Does this action reflect the character of God and example of Christ?
- Does this promote justice and human dignity for all people?
- Does this divide or unite believers in Christ?
- Does this undermine moral convictions for the sake of unity?
- Does this align with God’s Word and transcendent truth?
With challenging issues surrounding world peace, Christians must seek God’s wisdom humbly in prayer and God’s Word. We engage as best able with discernment, always pointing people toward Christ who alone brings lasting peace and reconciliation with God.
The Bible provides many stories and principles regarding peace that can guide Christians. When Cain killed his brother Abel, it marked the first act of violence and shattered peace (Genesis 4:8). God has sought to restore peace ever since. Isaiah 11 prophesies about the coming Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament Law limited vengeance and called for impartial justice to maintain peace in society (Leviticus 19:18). The prophets envisioned a future day when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation” (Isaiah 2:4). Jesus came to fulfill these prophecies as the Messiah bringing peace.
At Jesus’ birth, angels proclaimed “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14). Jesus said His coming would bring division, not peace on the earth (Luke 12:51). But He provides peace with God through His death and resurrection. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). The Gospel brings peace to believers’ hearts, even amidst tribulation.
The early church overcame divisions between Jews and Gentiles to exemplify peace (Ephesians 2:14-18). Paul instructs Christians to “pursue what makes for peace” (Romans 14:19). James says “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). Peter summarizes our calling: “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Ultimately, Christians have a complex dual calling regarding world peace. We proclaim Christ confidently as the only source of peace, yet with gentleness and grace. We pursue peace wholeheartedly, yet recognize its limitations prior to Christ’s return. We partner with all people of goodwill to seek peace, yet retain moral convictions as guided by God’s Word and Spirit. This requires deep prayer, wisdom, and discernment.
In conclusion, promoting world peace aligns with Christian values when done with biblical discernment and Christ-centeredness. Seeking peace, justice, reconciliation and nonviolence reflects God’s heart while pointing people to Christ as the Prince of Peace. However, Christians understand true unity requires transformed hearts through God’s love. We walk in humility, upholding truth yet showing grace. We advocate for peace – in relationships, society, and worldwide – while recognizing lasting peace awaits the future day when Christ reigns. Maranatha – Come Lord Jesus!