Throughout the bible, mankind has been admonished to be at peace with one another. Wars are caused by mankind allowing satan to stir up demonic activity in their minds; which manifests itself in man against man, nation against nation, and culture against culture. The Apostle Paul, when writing to the church at Rome, instructed the people to live at peace with one another. "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.' On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil; but, overcome evil with good." Romans 12:16-21 (NIV). Jesus preached peace everywhere He went. "But, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name (Jesus), will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; My peace, I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:26-27 (NIV).
"I (Yeshua) (Jesus) have told you these things; so, that in Me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV). It is only peace that is going to bring an end of wars, conflict, hatred, bigotry, and evil. When Yeshua (Jesus) returns soon, He will set up a kingdom that will never be removed; and it will be a kingdom of peace, love, joy, and goodness, and righteousness. "You (God) will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." Isaiah 26:3 (NIV). Peace will reign when people care for others, as they do for themselves. "A new command, I (Jesus) give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV). "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:14-15 (NIV). To receive love, we must love others. Everything that we do comes back to us as a harvest. "Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that." Luke 6:31-33 (NIV). "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right." James 2:8 (NIV).
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV). Love and peace go together like a perfect marriage. When people love one another, wars and conflict will be over. "So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you; for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But, small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV). Come Lord Jesus; You are the life and the peace that changes lives and brings real peace to the world. "May the God, Who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had; so, that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:5-7 (NIV).
Bob Akins
Faith House Ministries Int'l
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