Jesus said in Mark 9: 50, have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. Jesus says we have a role to play in achieving peace with one another. He wants us to be initiators of peace. He goes on to tell us how to achieve it, to have salt in us. Salt is the preservative which makes us resistant to poisonous influence or evil detractions. The salt is the Holy Spirit. Do we have salt in us for peace with others?
Paul also said in Romans 12:18, if it is possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Paul used the word possible because we exercise the will or power to obey God or not. Some of us are sore litigants drenched in vengeance which does not work the role of peace in the body and work of Christ Jesus contrary to what God wants. Paul further wanted the nature of Christ, which is peace, to be the bond between mortals just as he was with the Father. Do we have peace in our relationships?
The nature of Jesus’ command
Jesus’ command challenges us to show unconditional love and forgiveness. Jesus knew divisions were bound to arise but that should not justify acrimony if we have salt in us. We are to have peace even with those who have evinced their intentions to cause us evil. Peace does not necessarily mean friendship but having a free heart towards everyone. Our personal efforts will fail except if we rely on Christ Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 19: 26; Mark 10: 27, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible. In what context did Jesus ask for peace with one another?
The primary context
Jesus was addressing his followers who were the disciples of the cross. Among them were simmering disagreements on doctrinal differences and interpretation. Jesus knew that their differences could be detrimental to their work of fellowship of the kingdom of God so he advised about peace. He said in Luke 11: 17, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. Jesus wanted them to seek peace and leave the problem to God. Proverbs 3:5-6 say, Trust in the Lord always with your heart; and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. The body of Christ must always be at peace with one another.
The general context
Jesus’ command also applies to our relationships with others who were outside of the Christian family and fellowship. Aside from Christ Jesus and his blood, our most reliable security in this world is to have peace with one another. Real peace does not destroy but builds and protects. We cannot reach out with the gospel without peace with one another. Divisions are not helpful in resolving any dispute. Breaching the peace may be lawful but it may not be unhelpful to win the desired peace. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6: 12; 10: 23, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. Do we desire victory or peace in Christ Jesus?
The logical context
We may appear sound, logical and reasonable in our decisions to sever the peace with one another, but God demands a different approach. The world may deride our obedience to God as senseless, but God sees it as righteousness. Although mankind has rebelled against God since creation, he continues to reach out to us for peace with him until the final day. Paul said in Romans 5: 8, God proved his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Only God can provide a lasting solution to every challenge we may have. Zechariah 4: 6 says not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts. We must trust in God until the final day.
Consistency of scripture
Paul also appealed to the church at Corinth to leave personal sentiments behind them. He added that God will show his love and peace to his people if they seek peace with others. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 13: 11, put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Jesus also said in Matthew 5: 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
A worthy child of God exudes the good nature of his Father. If we do not have the spirit for forgiveness, we cannot be at peace with one another. It is written in 1 John 4: 20, those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. Peace may rule our hearts.
Peace is the soil for growth
Peace with one another is the soil for spiritual growth through Christ Jesus. We cannot say to one another, “Peace be unto you,” when we are not at peace with one another. We can only give what we have in Christ Jesus and know to be good in the Lord.
Jesus said in Matthew 5: 23-24, so when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. This command is not based on who is the guilty one but the existence of acrimony. Paul said in Ephesians 4: 15, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. 2 Peter 3: 18 says grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Are we growing in Spirit and in truth as God wants?
What is the nature of this peace?
Anything that is not the Spirit of Christ Jesus cannot achieve peace with one another. God’s Spirit is peaceful and reconciliatory. What is not scriptural is not the peace that Christ Jesus requires of us. We must let the Spirit of Christ Jesus take charge of all relationships by the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is the salt to preserve us towards peace with one another. It is the peace of God through Christ Jesus that will make us worthy by his blood to achieve God’s peace with one another.
If we have the peace of Christ Jesus, we must equally share the peace of Christ Jesus with one another to his glory and honour. Seeking unconditional peace with one another may be sour, but the fruit thereof will be eternally sweet, and refreshing to the soul. Let the peace of Christ Jesus rest and abide between us and one another. Let us seek enough salt to see us through on the peace journey.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we surrender our disputes and acrimonies and whatever separates us from one another as a body of Christ to you at this moment. Our souls are restless and yearn for your eternal peace which can make us as one body in you. We apologize for our failure to extend unconditional fellowship to one another and ask for your forgiveness in your blood. Restore us as one people of the same body of Christ Jesus in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Lead us with your peace in your holy name, Amen!!
