As ‘peacemakers’ true disciples are seen to be children of their heavenly Father, who is the God of peace and the source of peace.
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Reflection: Meditate on these Scriptures that enlighten us about this identity of true disciples as ‘peacemakers’. |
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God is the ‘God of peace’ |
The gospel is characterized by and establishes peace |
Those who believe in Christ are to be characterized by peace |
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Romans 15:33; 16:20 1 Corinthians 14:33 2 Corinthians 13:11 Philippians 4:9 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Hebrews 13:20-21 |
Luke 2:14 Acts 10:36 Romans 5:1; 14:17 Ephesians 2:14-17; 6:15 Philippians 4:7 2 Peter 1:2 |
Romans 12:18; 14:19 1 Corinthians 7:15 2 Corinthians 13:11 Galatians 5:22 Ephesians 4:3 Colossians 3:15 Hebrews 12:14 |
In addition to these references, almost every New Testament letter either begins or finishes with a greeting in which the recipients are wished ‘peace’ from God the Father or from Jesus Christ.
‘Peace’ is a one-word summary of the Gospel, and the true disciple is an ambassador of this Gospel of peace, by verbally proclaiming the message of reconciliation [2 Corinthians 5:17-21], and by demonstrating the reality of Gospel reconciliation and peace in relationships with others.
Romans 15:33
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16:20
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1 Corinthians 14:33
33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practise these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 13:20-21
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Acts 10:36
36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
Ephesians 4:1-3
4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.