Strive for Peace: The Battle to Maintain Harmony in Relationships

You Must Fight Hard for Peace

Have you ever wondered why the dove is often used as a symbol of peace? It's because doves are beautiful, gentle, and faithful creatures. They represent qualities that are highly valued in the pursuit of peace. But there's another reason why doves are associated with peace – they are flighty creatures. It doesn't take much to send a dove fluttering away. A harsh word, a rash gesture, and off she goes. If you want a dove to stay around, you have to be very careful how you speak and act. This delicate balance is a lot like what it takes to be at peace with other people.

Striving for Peace

In the book of Hebrews, the author urges us to "strive for peace with everyone" (Hebrews 12:14). This implies that peace is not something that comes easily or naturally. It requires effort and intentionality. It's not enough to simply avoid conflict; we must actively pursue peace. This means making a conscious decision to prioritize peace in our relationships and interactions with others.

But why is it so important to fight hard for peace? Well, first and foremost, peace is a reflection of God's character. He is a God of peace, and as his children, we are called to reflect his character in our lives. When we strive for peace, we are imitating our heavenly Father and showing the world what it means to be a peacemaker.

Secondly, peace is essential for healthy and thriving relationships. Without peace, relationships become strained, filled with tension and conflict. But when we actively pursue peace, we create an environment where love, trust, and understanding can flourish. We build strong and lasting connections with others.

The Battle for Peace

It's important to recognize that the pursuit of peace is not always easy. In fact, it can be a battle. There are forces that work against peace – pride, selfishness, anger, and unforgiveness. These forces can quickly escalate conflicts and hinder our efforts to maintain peace.

This is why the author of Hebrews tells us to "strive" for peace. The word "strive" implies a fight, a struggle against opposing forces. We must actively resist the temptations that would lead us away from peace and instead fight to maintain harmony in our relationships.

But how do we fight for peace? One key aspect is communication. Effective and respectful communication is essential for resolving conflicts and maintaining peace. We must be willing to listen to others, seek understanding, and speak truth in love. The Apostle Paul reminds us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), emphasizing the importance of both truth and love in our words.

Another key aspect of fighting for peace is forgiveness. We all make mistakes and hurt one another at times. But if we want to maintain peace, we must be willing to forgive one another. Jesus taught us to pray, "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for healing and restoring broken relationships.

Peace in a Divided World

In a world filled with division and conflict, the pursuit of peace takes on even greater significance. As followers of Christ, we have a unique opportunity to be peacemakers in our communities and in the world. We can show the world what it means to love one another, to seek unity, and to work towards reconciliation.

But how do we navigate the complexities of a divided world? How do we fight for peace in the midst of social and political tensions? The answer lies in seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This verse reminds us that peacemaking is not just a nice thing to do; it is a calling. As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers in our families, communities, and the world.

Furthermore, James 3:18 tells us, "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." This verse highlights the connection between peace and righteousness. When we strive for peace, we are sowing seeds of righteousness that will bear fruit in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Pursuing Peace in 2023 and Beyond

As we enter the year 2023 and look towards the future, the need for peace is as crucial as ever. The world continues to face numerous challenges – social, political, and environmental. These challenges can easily lead to conflict and division.

But as followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of peace in this world. We are called to take up the fight for peace, to strive for peace with everyone we encounter. This means actively pursuing peace in our relationships, our communities, and the world at large.

It may not always be easy, and we may face opposition along the way. But we can find strength and encouragement in knowing that we are not fighting alone. God is with us, empowering us to be peacemakers and agents of change.

So let us embrace the challenge and fight hard for peace. Let us be like the dove, gentle and faithful, but also resilient and determined. Let us strive for peace with everyone we encounter, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. For in the pursuit of peace, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and bring hope and healing to a broken world.