A Word From the Word: Peace

It has been a few weeks since I have posted, as I have been battling some illness. As I come back to this blog, I want to maintain my focus on Biblical teaching—particularly the meaning of important words the Holy Spirit has chosen to use in scripture. I am also burdened by the events in the world. In the end, I don’t believe these are separate subjects, so today I want to post on an important Biblical word: Peace.

I will focus on the New Testament word: eirene. The word is found throughout the New Testament, as a blessing (Peace be to you), a lament (Jesus telling Jerusalem that they will have no peace because they rejected Him) and perhaps most important for us, a command to live in peace with others. In Romans 12:16 Paul commands:  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV) This word means to live with others harmoniously. In other words, to bring different people together, not making them the same, but finding ways to live together in their differences. It is important to note that this is followed by a command to not take revenge on enemies, but instead to love them.

Admittedly this is written to Christians, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and in whom the fruit of the Spirit (including peace) is growing (Galatians 5:22-23). But this blog is written to those who are disciples of Jesus—Christians seeking to live faithfully to Him. So, here is the question we have to ask ourselves. As Christians (primarily in America) how do we live in peace with others right now?

First, this does NOT mean we have to agree on all things. That will not, and possibly should not happen. Our different perspectives can be a strength if we shut up and listen to one another (Proverbs 18:13).

Perhaps the most obvious case in point today is what is happening in Israel and Gaza. I have been listening, and here is what I have heard:

• Israel was viciously attacked. This was evil and there is no excuse or justification for what Hamas did—and perhaps continues to do—period.
• Israel, as a secular state, has placed a top priority on the safety of its citizens. In order to carry this out, it has launched a military campaign that has produced what most would describe as an extreme amount of collateral damage.
• “Collateral Damage” is a euphemism for property and most important, people who are not part of the conflict.
• Hamas has exacerbated this damage by using innocents as shields, making it impossible for Israel to attack them without harming or killing innocents. Israel has made the decision that, while regrettable, this is an acceptable cost.
• Thousands of innocent people—mostly Muslim but including to my personal knowledge Christians—have died as a result of this conflict. We don’t have reliable numbers, but all agree it is at least “thousands” and possibly much more.
• No one seems to want to talk about harmony right now.

This all describes what is happening in the middle east, and it leaves out many geo-political realities. But it also leaves out the extreme positions many Americans—even Christians—seem to be taking. I have heard people say that it doesn’t matter what Israel does—America must support them! We shouldn’t even say that about ourselves! Of course it matters what they do! I have heard statements like “all Palestinians are either Hamas or Hamas sympathizers”. This is just stupid. Hamas is a terrorist organization which practices its terror on Palestinians as well as Israelis, Americans and others. MOST Palestinians do not support Hamas, but they don’t live in America where they can say such things without danger.

On the other hand I have heard statements that describe Hamas as freedom fighters who are “not terrorists”. This is indefensible given the evidence they themselves created of the atrocities on October 7^th. Others echo the cry of “From the River to the Sea!” in supposed solidarity with Palestinians (who, again, are not all the same or of the same opinions!). I wonder if these people understand that this is a slogan created to mean the eradication—elimination—killing—of all Israelis from the Jordan to the Mediterranean.

And of course, those who emphasize that the atrocities of October 7^th didn’t happen in a vacuum. And they are right. It is foolish of us to pretend that the millions of Palestinians in Gaza have no legitimate grievances with Israel. If any of us were faced with what has happened to them over the last 75 years we would be outraged. But because it is Israel, we don’t want to see it.

I have Christian friends who have lost family in Gaza to the violence by the Israelis. Some Muslim, some Christians. All innocent of the atrocities committed by Hamas, and all powerless to defend themselves against either Hamas or Israel.

So, where does this leave the American Christian? How do we live in peace? How do we respond to these events? I don’t claim to have a political answer that will work, because the people involved are not Christian and are not interested in living in harmony with one another. That said, I have a few suggestions for those of us who serve our King and happen to be American.

1. Pray for ALL of those involved. Pray for peace. Pray for the leaders of Israel and Hamas. Pray for the families of the victims of October 7^th and for the families of the victims of the Israeli actions in Gaza. Pray for those in Gaza who are still in danger and who live without the necessities of life. Pray for those in Israel whose daily routine includes knowing they could be attacked by terrorists or militarily. And pray for American Christians to not align with worldly powers, but instead to seek the Lord’s will. Pray for peace!
   
2. Do not become part of the world Jesus died to save you from. Regardless of your theology regarding Israel, scripture NOWHERE contradicts the Holy Spirit’s commands through Paul that we live in peace as much as depends on us, and that we do not seek revenge.
3. Listen to those around you. Try to understand if they are evil or just humans who are confused and hurting and don’t know what to do about it.
4. Be paracletes (see 2 Corinthians 1 where Paul tells us to “comfort” or stand beside others) to those who are hurting here. I know and love Palestinian Christians here in the US who feel no support or understanding at all from their fellow Christians! This should not be.
5. If you are not doing these things now, start. And perhaps ask yourself why you aren’t already?

Christians cannot make the world live in peace. But we can refuse to become part of the problem instead of a light to the world. We don’t have to pretend to know all the answers to speak truth and condemn sin. And we can continue to personally seek to live in peace with those around us, as much as it depends on us.

Know Jesus and Be Faithful!