Peace can refer to tranquility in international relationships, such as peace between warring nations. It can also refer to a settled feeling within a society. It can be an experience of wholeness and harmony in human relationships, both inside and outside the home. It can refer to one’s sense of wholeness and well-being, free from anxiety and fear, at peace within one’s soul and with God. When He created the heavens and the earth, the world was peaceful.
The disruption of that peace came when Adam and Eve listened to the voice of the serpent. When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, their disobedience introduced sin and disrupted creation’s original harmony. At that time, both of them experienced guilt and shame before God and a loss of inner peace for the very first time. Before eating that fruit, they had an intimate fellowship in the garden. Instead of looking forward to talking with God, they were now afraid of His presence.
The harmonious relationship between Adam and Eve as husband and wife became disruptive. When God began discussing the sin with Adam blamed Eve, God pronounced that strife would continue between man and woman; In this manner, the social conflict is now a part of our human predicament. From arguments and violence in our homes to international conflicts and wars.
Finally, sin disrupted the harmony and unity between humankind and nature. Before Adam sinned, he joyfully worked in the Garden of Eden and freely walked among the animals giving each one a name. Part of God’s curse after the fall included enmity between Adam and Eve and the serpent, as well as the reality that work would entail sweat and hard work. There had been harmony between the human race and the environment. Now there was struggle and conflict.
Restoration of peace begins as God plans to restore it. The result of the fall was the destruction of the peace and well-being of humankind. However, regaining harmony is the story of redemption in Christ. Concerning Satan, he initiated the devastation of peace in our world. The reestablishment of it must involve the destruction of Satan and His power.
At Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed that God’s peace had come to the earth. The Son of God came to destroy the devil’s work and break down all barriers of conflict that are a part of our lives, making peace. Therefore, when we believe in Jesus Christ, we are justified through faith and have peace with God.
Merely knowing that Christ came as the Prince of Peace does not ensure that peace will automatically become a part of our lives; to experience peace requires that we unite with Christ in active faith. The first step is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we do, we justify ourselves through faith and have peace. Along with Trust, we must walk in obedience to His commands to live in peace. The Old Testament prophets declare that there will be no peace for the wicked.
To know God’s peace, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who begins to work His fruit in us: one aspect which is peace. With the Spirit’s help, we must pray for peace. Let peace rule in our hearts, seek peace, pursue it, and do our best to live in harmony with others.