Article January 7, 2013 Issue

Where peace is found

Andrej Remec

Peace: Nations strive for it. Individuals yearn to feel it in their daily lives. Sometimes it appears fragile, other times elusive. Yet there is a foundation for peace stronger and more dependable than any societal system ever devised—it originates in God alone and is included in every element of our lives.

Perhaps nowhere is this spiritual basis of peace revealed more clearly than in the life of Christ Jesus. His thoughtful teachings and powerful healing career underscore the assurance he left his followers: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). At first glance, Jesus’ encouraging words may appear to be simply a promise of serenity or tranquility in a troubled world, but the Bible shows us so much more.

The Old Testament Hebrew word for peace, shalom, “brings together into a wholeness the political, economic, social, and spiritual dimensions of life ... extends into an integral unity between heaven and earth,” and “is the salvation which embraces all creation” (Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 72:3). The New Testament Greek word for peace, eirene, includes the concept of protecting or saving power, evidenced in Paul’s counsel that “the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, The New Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips).