The Holy Spirit and the Peace of God to the Lost

The Holy Spirit shows the believer the way of peace. It is not just any peace but the peace of God that has all understanding. The human mind cannot grasp the depths to which the peace and love of God is given, if we only seek His face earnestly. Are you wanting to be a peacemaker? Even to your enemies? Consider these things as we look into the life of the peacemaker for God to the lost of this world.

The Holy Spirit and the Peace of God to the Lost

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

(Matthew 5:9 NKJV)

The peace of God is that which is difficult to explain. The scriptures say that the peace of God surpasses all understanding. Why? Probably because it is the peace of God. We are not wired to understand fully the concepts and ideas concerning God. The peacemaker, as we may perceive the notion, is one who is a moderator or even the diplomat in foreign affairs. I believe that this is what defines us as Christians. This is the reason for its position among the beatitudes. A true peacemaker is the living example of the peace of God in action. A peacemaker is active and not passive. The misconception of the peacemaker is that they are possibly passive by nature. This is not true. Because the peace of God, by its nature, is the result of the love of God present and active in the life of the totally committed follower of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that it is not your peace that you are displaying, but the peace of God. There have been many politicians and ambassadors who have met in international summits in attempt to establish peace between two or more countries, many in vain. Not so with God! God’s Word will not return to Him void, so it is with the peace of God.

The most amazing aspect of this whole idea of those who are peacemakers for God is that they will be called sons of God. Wow! You are probably thinking, “I thought that I was a son or daughter of God!” When this level of relationship is achieved by the believer, then their lives have totally changed and have been entirely committed to the work of the Holy Spirit. These are not new Christians, but they are those who live every moment of every day in the love and peace of God. People know it and want what they possess. They may not understand it, but out of curiosity or even a sense of emptiness they feel in them that needs to be filled, but they have a desire for the peace of God. When one is willing to fully yield to the Will and love of God can they experience everything that the Holy Spirit has for them. A peacemaker is the true reflection of the Heavenly Father. Jesus was a prime example of a peacemaker. Are you following the example of the most amazing peacemaker of all? If you truly want to be like Jesus, then here is your chance. Are you going to be obedient to the call of God through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit?

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

(James 3:17-18 NKJV)

The fruit of true righteousness is found in those who allow the peace of God to be sown through them. The act of being a peacemaker is pure, holy, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits of the spirit. They will set the pace for all others to follow and will be examples of the holy life despite the cost. The focus for James is found in his understanding of Godly wisdom. Remember that this was the very thing Solomon ask God for when preparing to rule as king over the united nation of Israel. We may consider the idea of wisdom as that of just and right decisions. This is true but not to the full measure God intended. I believe that Solomon had full purpose in ruling God’s people rightly, but there is much more to the wisdom that comes from God. James is telling his audience that to be wise in Godly wisdom, one must first possess the following qualities, then live them out throughout their entire life.

The intent of Solomon in asking for wisdom was to genuinely rule as God saw fit for him to rule. He did not understand what that fully consisted of for God. His thoughts are not our thoughts and His understanding is not our understanding. Therefore, why do we think we know better and are wiser than God? We need to just listen and obey! So, James says that only the fruits of righteousness can be sown in peace by those who make peace. Most people are quick to speak, but slow to listen. God’s wisdom is contradictory to the world’s notion of wisdom. Though you ask for wisdom, you must consider the workings of Godly peace. God only wants us to live in peace and love with Him and one with another. Remember that when the rulers that ruled over God’s people sought after God with all their hearts and were obedient to Him, then He brought peace to them. The lack of peace came from their disobedience. The peacemaker is pure in all their ways with God and others. They are an example of transparency before God and others. He says that are to first be pure then they will be peaceable. If you are pure before God, then you bring the peace of God to others. Can you do this on your own? No, by no means! This is the purpose and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

(Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)

The writer of Hebrews was not just writing this statement to the Jewish Christians, but to all who are pursuing an eternal relationship with the risen Lord. He is stating the fact that if you do not pursue the peace of God with Him and for all people you will not see the eternal life you are seeking. The problem with many today is that it is believed because you do all these things for God that you deserve eternal life. The problem is in the fact we do not deserve eternal life, it is a gift from God. So, when he says to pursue peace with all people, it is not just people you like. He tells us to pursue peace with all people, that means your enemies and those whom you do not like and are critical. Without this you cannot see God. In the beatitude of Matthew chapter five verse nine, Jesus says that the peacemaker will be blessed and called sons of God. God wants us to not only love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. But, He wants us to love one another as He has loved us.

The most awkward thing to do for human beings is to love others with a Godly unconditional love with no strings attached. If you have the peace of God, then the love of God should be a natural out flow to others. The lesson from history tells us the that the Love of God is truly unique from all other religions. The monotheistic, or belief in one God, belief system of Judaism and Christianity find at their core a loving and merciful God who loves all humanity and desires to have a relationship with everyone. It is the choice of the individual to decide whether to follow Him or not. The desire must be rooted in His peace and love. He has mercy and shows grace on His creation. Most other religions have a god or sort of deity who is impersonal and distant. These deities are solely judgmental, vengeful, and arrogant toward their creation. True, the Christian God is a jealous God, but He is a merciful, peaceful, and loving God, as a Father. The peace of God is at the point of the relationship that the Christian know without a doubt that they are a child of God, not just in word but in life. The actions of this person will truly reflect the peace and love of God through the Holy Spirit to those around them. The beauty of being a peacemaker is that we have the perfect example in Jesus Christ.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:20 NKJV)

We need to look for the joy in our lives. The peacemaker brings joy and peace to those who choose to accept it. The Lord Jesus Christ wants you to have joy and peace. The more you seek an eternal relationship with Him, the more joy and peace you have in your life. You cannot fake true peace because the peace of God for your life is far beyond your understanding. Those who are not showing genuine peace are deceitful, manipulative, and evil rests in their hearts. Sowing peace into others is an act of humility, spiritual maturity, and mercy toward those who need the strength and hope that is provided only through the Holy Spirit.

We are told by the writer of Proverbs that as counselors of peace we will have exceeding joy and peace in our own lives. Strive to have peace one with another and you will have peace with God. The beauty of the peace of God is that there is a calmness in your spirit that encourages a desire in your life to strive for peace for all. When Jesus was preaching and healing, He brought a message of peace and love for all those who would receive Him and the message that He and the Father bring. Are you bringing the same message of peace or are you leading them down a path of deceitfulness away toward your form of peace away from the Father? I pray that you have peace in your life that is shown through to others for the sake of the gospel of Christ!

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, cleanse me Lord to be an instrument of peace in Your name. Lord, give me the strength to shun evil and focus on Your small still voice for guidance and strength. Show me Your ways and lead me Your ways of peace for the sake of the gospel according to Your Will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.