The Prince of Peace

A World in Need of True Peace

The world around us often feels like a storm-ravaged house, broken and in desperate need of restoration. Headlines scream about moral decay, conflict, and suffering. These realities reveal our deep need for something far greater than what human effort can provide, something like “peace.” Biblical peace, often referred to as shalom, isn't just the absence of conflict; it's the presence of wholeness, flourishing, and harmony. It's the complete restoration of what is broken.

This is the peace promised by Isaiah—a peace that surpasses our limited understanding. Through the prophecy of a coming King, a "Prince of Peace," God offers hope for a kingdom of justice and righteousness that will know no end. In Christ, this prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus doesn’t just bring peace; He is peace.

The Depth of Christ's Peace

In Ephesians 2:11-18, Paul explains how Jesus bridges the divide between humanity and God, as well as between people themselves. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dismantled hostility and offered reconciliation. His peace is not superficial; it restores our relationship with God and makes us whole, both spiritually and relationally.

This wholeness reflects God's original design for creation—a complex masterpiece where every piece fits perfectly. Yet, sin broke this design, leaving our lives fragmented. Whether it's fractured relationships, inner turmoil, or societal division, the peace of Christ reaches into every crevice of our brokenness to bring restoration.

Living in Peace with God and Others

To experience this peace, we must first reconcile with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 reminds us, "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This isn't earned through merit but given freely by grace.

But peace with God doesn’t end with us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend this peace to others. This means forgiving those who wrong us, pursuing harmony in our homes and communities, and seeking reconciliation wherever relationships are broken. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that reflects the heart of the Prince of Peace.

Building a Life of Peace

Living in the peace of Christ requires intentionality. It begins with saturating our minds with Scripture, which transforms our thoughts and aligns our desires with God's will. Psalm 119:165 declares, "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

Prayer is another cornerstone of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 invites us to bring every anxiety to God, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. When we trust Him with our burdens, we experience a calm that transcends human understanding.

Finally, we must embrace our role as peacemakers. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Whether it's restoring a friendship, resolving workplace conflict, or bringing comfort to someone in distress, our actions can reflect the transformative peace of Christ.

The peace Jesus offers is not fleeting or fragile; it is eternal and transformative. As we live under His reign, we not only experience His peace but also become vessels of it to a world in desperate need. Let His peace rule in your heart today, and may it overflow to those around you.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director