Editorial November 17, 1986 Issue

Christian warfare: the Biblical way to wage peace

Carolyn B. Swan

The Bible brings an overall message of peace. It speaks of peace as a divine gift or blessing. Not once but six times the Bible calls Deity "the God of peace."^{See Rom. 15:33; Rom. 16:20; II Cor. 13:1 1; Phil. 4:9; I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20.}

There can be no conflict in God, since He is all-harmonious. His peacefulness is expressed in His creation, spiritual and harmonious man, made in His likeness. On the human scene, however, where discordant elements appear to coexist with concordant elements, God-given peace must be zealously won and watchfully defended. And Christ Jesus, who exemplified perfect manhood and came to humanity as the Prince of Peace, showed us how to do this.

The Master's teachings on peace may appear in a way to be inconsistent. He said, for instance: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. ... And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."^{Matt. 10:34, 36.} Yet in a conversation with his disciples before his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, he promised that the Comforter, the spirit of Truth, would come to teach us. Then he said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you."^{John 14:27.}