GOD’S CALL TO PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
Brethren, peace is not optional – it’s our testimony. The world measures our faith not by how loud we preach, but by how well we live with one another. The God of peace expects His children to be peacemakers. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, empowering us to forgive, to forbear, and to fellowship beyond our comfort zones.
If Christ reconciled heaven and earth through His cross, how can we justify walls of pride, prejudice, or unforgiveness? Peace is not the absence of conflict – it’s the presence of Christ. It’s the quiet strength to say, “We be brethren,” even when emotions burn hot. Peace is costly, but so was the cross. And if we claim to walk with the Prince of Peace, then we must become ambassadors of that same peace in our homes, churches, and communities.
So, praise the Lord! Let us walk through the Scriptures, where men and women just like us chose peace over pride, reconciliation over revenge, and unity over division.
1. Abraham and Lot – Choosing Peace Over Possession
Genesis 13:8–9 reminds us that Abraham said, “Let there be no strife… for we be brethren.” He valued peace above property. When Lot’s herdsmen quarreled with his, Abraham didn’t fight for the best land – he trusted God to honor his humility.
And sure enough, once Lot departed, God reaffirmed His promise (Genesis 13:14–17). The lesson? When you lay down your rights, God lifts up your blessing.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Matthew 5:9 declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Hebrews 12:14 commands, “Follow peace with all men.”
Peace isn’t weakness – it’s the strength to trust God more than your own ambition.
2. Isaac and Abimelech – Digging New Wells Instead of Holding Grudges
When Abimelech wronged Isaac, Isaac didn’t retaliate – he kept digging. Genesis 26:22 says, “The Lord hath made room for us.” That’s faith in motion.
Instead of sitting in bitterness, he moved to better ground. That’s Romans 12:21 lived out: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Psalm 34:14 urges us, “Seek peace, and pursue it.” James 3:17–18 says peace is the fruit of heavenly wisdom. Friends, if someone fills your well with dirt, dig another. The water will flow again.
3. Joseph and His Brothers – Reconciliation After Betrayal
What could be more painful than betrayal by family? Yet Joseph forgave. “God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:4–8).
He saw divine purpose behind human cruelty. That’s why he could say what Jesus later echoed on the cross: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).
Romans 8:28 assures us God works all things for good. Colossians 3:13 tells us to forgive as Christ forgave.
Bitterness chains you to the past. Forgiveness releases you to your future.
4. Moses and Jethro – Respect Between Cultures
In Exodus 18:7–12, Moses bows before his Midianite father-in-law. A Hebrew leader honors a Gentile priest. What humility!
Moses knew that wisdom can come from unexpected places (Proverbs 27:17).
Philippians 2:3–4 teaches us to esteem others better than ourselves. Romans 12:10 says, “Be kindly affectioned one to another.”
Godly peace crosses boundaries – because love is stronger than labels.
5. Ruth and Naomi – Unity Across Generations
“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16–17).
That vow of loyalty brought Ruth into the very genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Their relationship proves that love between generations is a sacred witness.
John 15:12–13 calls us to love as Christ loved. Colossians 3:14 calls charity the “bond of perfectness.”
When the young honor the old and the old bless the young, heaven smiles.
6. David and Jonathan – Friendship Over Politics
1 Samuel 18:1–4 says Jonathan’s soul was knit to David’s.
Though David was the rival to his throne, Jonathan chose love over envy.
That’s Philippians 2:3 in action – preferring others before self.
True friendship doesn’t compete – it celebrates. Proverbs 17:17 declares, “A friend loveth at all times.” John 15:13 reminds us, “Greater love hath no man than this.”
7. Solomon and Hiram – Partnership for God’s Purpose
“There was peace between Hiram and Solomon” (1 Kings 5:12).
Two kings, one purpose – to build the house of the Lord.
Peace for God’s work is always more powerful than pride in man’s name.
Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says two are better than one. Philippians 1:27 calls us to strive together for the faith of the gospel.
8. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath – Trust in God Across Borders
1 Kings 17:8–16 shows a Sidonian widow caring for an Israelite prophet.
God’s provision broke every cultural wall.
Faith bridged what fear divided.
Ephesians 2:14 says Christ “is our peace.” Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to entertain strangers, for we might host angels unawares.
The Spirit of God thrives where love welcomes.
9. Daniel and the Babylonian Kings – Standing Firm Yet Living Peacefully
Daniel was faithful in a pagan empire. Daniel 6:3–4 says his integrity set him apart.
He lived out Jeremiah 29:7 – seeking the peace of the city that held him captive.
Romans 13:1–2 tells us to respect authority. 1 Peter 2:12–15 urges us to live honorably.
Brethren, holiness doesn’t isolate us – it influences quietly until the world takes notice.
10. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – Breaking Barriers
“How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me?” (John 4:9–10)
In one conversation, Jesus tore down centuries of division.
He revealed that living water flows where love dares to cross boundaries.
2 Corinthians 5:18 says God gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 2:14–16 echo that unity in Christ cancels human divides.
11. The Good Samaritan – Love Without Labels
Luke 10:33–37 paints compassion in motion.
A man ignored by religion was rescued by a stranger.
That’s James 2:8 embodied – “Love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Matthew 25:40 says when we serve the least, we serve Christ.
Romans 13:10 tells us love fulfills the law.
Real mercy sees no color, creed, or category – only a soul in need.
12. Peter and Cornelius – Breaking Religious Walls
In Acts 10:34–35, Peter declares, “God is no respecter of persons.”
The Holy Ghost fell on Gentiles as on Jews, proving Isaiah 49:6 true – salvation for all nations.
Ephesians 4:3–6 calls us to unity of the Spirit. Galatians 3:28 reminds us we are one in Christ.
God’s peace tears down walls religion builds.
13. Paul and Barnabas – Unity in Ministry
Acts 13:2–3 shows the Spirit joining two opposites for one mission.
Even when they later parted ways (Acts 15:39), their work still advanced the gospel.
That’s proof that peace doesn’t mean sameness – it means shared purpose.
Philippians 1:27 and Colossians 3:15 urge us to let peace rule our hearts as we labor together.
14. Paul and the Philippian Jailor – Enemies Turned Brothers
Acts 16:33–34 shows a guard who once chained Paul now feeding him supper.
What changed? The gospel!
Ephesians 2:16 says Christ reconciled both unto God by the cross.
Romans 5:10–11 confirms we were once enemies, now reconciled.
Luke 19:9–10 declares salvation comes to the house that opens its doors.
15. Early Church in Acts – Living in One Accord
Acts 2:44–47 shows believers “continuing daily with one accord.”
They broke bread, prayed, and shared everything.
Psalm 133:1 calls such unity “pleasant.”
Acts 4:32 says they were of one heart. John 13:35 tells us the world will know us by our love.
When the Spirit rules the heart, selfishness has no seat at the table.
16. Paul’s Call for Unity
Romans 12:18 – “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
That’s not a suggestion – it’s a mission.
2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Be of one mind.” Hebrews 12:14 urges us to pursue peace and holiness together.
Peace is fruit of Galatians 5:22 – Spirit-born, Spirit-kept.
17. Jesus’ Prayer for Oneness
In John 17:21, Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one.”
Unity isn’t just a dream – it’s a divine desire.
Ephesians 4:13 and Philippians 2:2 echo the same plea: be of one accord, one love, one mind.
If we answered this prayer, revival would sweep the earth.
18. The Church at Antioch – Diversity in Harmony
Acts 13:1–2 shows a church led by men from many nations.
Their unity birthed missions that changed history.
Revelation 7:9 paints heaven in that same color of harmony – every nation worshiping one Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:12–14 reminds us we’re one body, many members.
Peace thrives when diversity bows to divine purpose.
19. Philemon and Onesimus – Peace Through Forgiveness
Philemon receives his runaway slave as “a brother beloved” (Philemon 1:16).
Forgiveness turned master and servant into family.
Ephesians 2:19 says we are no more strangers but members of God’s household.
Colossians 3:13 and Matthew 6:14–15 remind us forgiveness is not optional – it’s the language of heaven.
20. The New Jerusalem – Eternal Peace for All Nations
Revelation 21:24 promises that “the nations shall walk in the light of it.”
Isaiah 11:6–9 foretells the day when wolves and lambs dwell together.
Every tear of conflict wiped away (Revelation 21:4).
Revelation 22:1–2 shows the river of life healing the nations. Zechariah 14:9 declares the Lord will be King over all.
What began with strife in Genesis ends in peace in Revelation. Praise be to God!
Closing Thought
Peaceful coexistence isn’t pretending problems don’t exist – it’s walking through them with the Spirit of God. Every one of these stories testifies that peace doesn’t just happen; it’s built – brick by brick – on forgiveness, humility, and faith.
So brethren, let’s pursue what makes for peace. Let’s sow the fruit of righteousness in peace. Let’s follow peace and holiness until the day we stand before the Prince of Peace Himself.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers.
James 3:18 – The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace.
Romans 14:19 – Follow after the things which make for peace.
Hebrews 12:14 – Follow peace with all men, and holiness.
2 Corinthians 13:11 – Be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
