“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, NLT). This powerful verse summarizes Jesus’ teachings on peace. In Jesus, we find a peace that transcends all understanding, not contingent on circumstances but anchored in the unwavering love of God. In our modern society, which is bombarded by challenges and adversities, embracing Jesus’ peace teachings can bring about transformational changes. Here are five ways we can apply these teachings today:
1. Embrace Inner Peace: Jesus’ peace is inwardly focused, not determined by worldly standards. It encourages us to find tranquility within ourselves, regardless of external situations.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Amid the fast-paced 21st-century life, taking time for spiritual soul-searching and fostering an inner calm can significantly improve our overall wellness.
2. Practice Forgiveness: Jesus taught us to forgive those who seek to misbehave and wrong us, a principle captured in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:12, NLT). Forgiveness fosters peace by freeing us from the bonds of resentment and bitterness. It enables us to harmonize positively with one another, promoting peaceful coexistence in our increasingly diverse communities.
3. Cultivate Love and Humility: Love and humility are fundamental in the teachings of Jesus. Galatians 5:13 (NLT) shares, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” We can foster peace in our families, workplaces, and communities by choosing love and humility over ego and selfishness.
4. Be Peacemakers: In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT).
God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” – C.S. Lewis.
Making peace a hallmark of our lives — mediating disputes, promoting reconciliation, and advocating for justice — can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.
5. Trust in God: Jesus consistently urged His followers to trust God. Trust stimulates peace, allowing us to surrender our worries and anxieties to our Creator. In times of uncertainty and change, trusting God’s protective care offers a sure pathway to peace.
Jesus’ teachings on peace are not outdated principles but timeless truths relevant today. Whether finding inner peace amid life’s storms, practicing forgiveness, fostering love and humility, becoming peacemakers, or placing our trust in God, applying these teachings can usher in a profound sense of peace in our lives and our world.