THUS SAYS THE LORD

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Romans 14:19). 

Jesus Christ is a man of peace by all standards. He is the "Prince of Peace" who came to preach peace to those who are afar of and those who are near (Ephesians 2:17). When He was about leaving the world, among His parting gifts to His disciples was His peace. He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). At all His appearances after His resurrection, His standard greeting to the disciples was "Peace be unto you". The disciples continued in the same spirit so that virtually all the apostolic epistles commence with a greeting of peace to the readers. It is therefore expected that those who follow Christ must follow peace. 

Peace is an essential facilitator of individual and communal wellbeing. Where there is peace, there is health and blessings. The nations that promote peace often have wealth, development and progress to show for it. Where there is peace, there is God because our God is a God of peace and the giver thereof. In fact, to be at peace and to pursue peace with others is to be a child of God indeed. That is why the Bible says that "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). 

When we have peace amongst ourselves, the devil loses big time, God wins big time, and we get the benefits big time. Except in the boxing or wrestling ring, fighting has never brought a trophy nor gave a worthwhile reward to anyone. And even those who box or wrestle don't do so forever. No one gains when brothers quarrel with each other, and no one has become great for finding fault with his brother. We all end up as losers and fools when brethren tread the path of strife because, although you may win the war, you will surely lose the peace. 

I have said all the above to bring you to this point: Just before you cross over to the next phase of your life, I want you to settle every outstanding quarrel you have with people. This is a new day, don't bring with it old disputes, bitterness, hurts, and wranglings. I want you to know that every attempt to move forward with malice and war in your heart against other people will only make you go around in circles, making motion without progress. Genuine and lasting progress comes when there is peace and love. 

So my dear friends, throw down your weapons of war that keep ruining your relationships. Do away with everything in the form of intolerance, impatience, malice, hurts, bitterness, anger, hatred, unforgiveness and disharmony. Embrace the peace that Jesus Christ has brought to the world. If you ask Jesus to help you make peace with your neighbour, He will help you. Practice daily the scriptural admonition that encourages us to seek peace and pursue it (Psalms 34:14). Follow after the things which make for peace, and it shall be well with you. Shalom!