God’s Word commands believers to seek peace and pursue it. However, that can be quite challenging for those currently in messy, complicated relationships, perhaps even within their own families. Indeed, seeking true peace is risky because underlying issues must be addressed, and they may not be resolved. But again, God tells us not only to seek peace, but to actively pursue it.
He must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11
If you are currently experiencing strife with someone, you are undoubtedly angry and upset. However, you don’t need to remain in this troubled state where Satan easily leverages the alternating feelings of self-pity and revenge. Instead, tell God how you feel, rather than repeatedly rehearsing the event in your mind.
Remember, Jesus’ earthly life was spent in conflict with those who viciously opposed Him. And in the end, they lied, held an unjust trial, and put Jesus to death. So, the beautiful truth about Jesus, who rose from the dead victoriously, is that your prayers are received by someone who already knows every detail of what happened and truly understands your pain.
Furthermore, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, so He knows exactly how to help you pursue peace so that separation does not have to be the outcome of your grievances. Are you willing to receive His counsel? If so, ask Jesus to guide you through the steps needed to pursue peace, for nothing is impossible with God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and shun evil. Proverbs 3:6-7
Are You Willing to Seek Peace
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
God’s Word is a sobering reminder that harmony in personal relationships is very important to God. But unfortunately, human nature tends to avoid conflict at all costs, so underlying problems go unaddressed and true peace remains unachieved. Therefore, God commands you to actively seek peace in your relationships and pursue it as a goal with His help. Hence, in this post, we will explore what ’make every effort to live in peace’ looks like.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
This Bible verse begins with “if it is possible,” acknowledging that it takes two people willing to make peace. And “As far as it depends on you” indicates that your heart is to be at peace toward everyone, even those who remain hostile towards you. Jesus is our model of forgiveness and authentic, sacrificial love, who wants to empower you to reflect Him and be a peacemaker as you rely on Him.
However, apart from the supernatural grace of God, peace will be elusive if you continually review another’s offenses without first asking God to reveal your own sins, such as pride, self-protection, anger, and a desire to win or be proved right. Therefore, watch over your heart with all diligence throughout the peace process.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
I Am Too Wounded to Pursue Peace
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Perhaps you have read this far and understand what you should do, but right now you are licking your wounds and nursing your hurt. You have no desire to pursue peace with this person because you are still focused on what they said or did, so you are still angry.
You are wounded, weak, and unable to obey God’s command to love, to pursue peace. Can I say that this is right where God wants you! Indeed, your human limitations reveal your need for God’s grace. So, come to Him, acknowledge your weakness, and ask for the faith to believe that, although you can’t, Jesus can!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Nonetheless, if you continue to cover your emotions with a “spiritual” mask, you will never be honest with God or people. Conversely, raw and honest emotions expose your sins, the darkness within, so that you can confess them. Then, God can begin to heal you with His Presence and His Word.
Indeed, when you receive God’s forgiveness for your sins, you are more likely to forgive the sins of others, even toward the one who has treated you as an enemy. So, come to Jesus, who is sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful towards you, and unburden yourself in prayer. Then, you will find rest and the power to pursue peace.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
What Are the Obstacles to Peace
The main obstacles to peace and reconciliation are pride and unforgiveness, which keep you from seeing your situation truthfully.
“If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus taught that you cannot have a right relationship with God while neglecting broken relationships with others. So, right now, do you know someone who has something against you? Have you talked to God about how you feel and why you don’t want to talk to them? If not, do that now. Then, rely on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will experience His grace for yourself.
On the other hand, you may neglect God’s command to pursue peace because you are blind to your own sins, namely pride, which prevents reconciliation. Because what drives you is self-protection against personal guilt. Therefore, you automatically justify everything you do.
But sadly, self-protection leads to delusion and self-righteousness, which keeps you further in the shadows and away from the truth. This is what the deceitfulness of sin looks like, and it leads to relational neglect.
Make Every Effort to Pursue Peace
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Have you made every effort to seek peace and pursue it? Or are you one who does the bare minimum of obedience to keep up a righteous appearance? For example, you may say, “Well, I tried once or twice to make peace, so my conscience is clear.” But what exactly did you do? Can you honestly say that reconciliation was your goal, or were you more focused on justifying yourself?
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8
For true peace to happen, you must approach another in humility, gentleness, and an attitude of forgiveness because love covers a multitude of sins. However, if you only see the sins of the other person and not your own, you are deceived, and your relationship with them will suffer.
Thus, Jesus tells us to honestly examine our motives and conduct regularly so we do not magnify the sins of others while minimizing our own. Only then will you be ready to pursue peace with another person.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Our fleshly, carnal self is defensive, so having humility and a willingness to receive truth are the keys to seeking and pursuing peace. They are supernatural works of the Holy Spirit, so confess your sins to God and then rely on Him, the ultimate peacemaker, to seek peace.
Peaceful Relationships Require Forgiveness
True forgiveness is an act of God’s grace that happens in our hearts when we depend on Him. So, it is not something that you and I can achieve in the flesh and take credit for.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
If God has forgiven your sins, why are you eager to punish another for their sins instead of forgiving them? If this describes you, Jesus invites you to come to Him and release the resentment and punishment you feel they deserve for hurting you. Then, you will be ready to seek peace and pursue it.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5
You will know you have forgiven someone when their offenses no longer have power over you, regardless of how they respond. Indeed, Christ sets you free when you forgive as God has forgiven you.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:13-15
Pursue Peace with the Goal of Reconciliation
If the door to peace remains open, pursue it with the goal of reconciliation.
Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:2
God desires truth in our innermost being. So, to avoid a false peace that cannot last, He commands us to speak the truth in love because there is no genuine love without the truth. Anything else is an insincere attempt to move past a conflict without addressing the underlying hurt or resentment that is necessary for true peace and reconciliation.
Heart issues must be addressed honestly, which is indeed hard work, but think of a wounded relationship as a golden opportunity for an honest and authentic relationship to take root.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Matthew 18:15
This Bible verse says, “If he listens to you.” It only takes one person to desire peace and pursue it, but it takes two to reconcile and have a relationship. Sometimes you are dealing with an unreasonable, unwilling partner whose words and actions toward you never change. They only see your sins while refusing to acknowledge their own.
Thus, without resolution, there comes a time when God will release you because you have done all that you can. Sadly, the relationship may end, but not for your lack of obedience to seek and pursue peace.
Nevertheless, continue to pray for that person, remain hopeful, trusting that God will continue to work so that, in His timing, there may be a joyous reunion one day. Because if God can raise the dead, He can surely restore a relationship!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
Pursue Peace
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Bible Teaching and Bible Studies
Bible Teaching
Bible studies
4-Week Bible studies
Inductive Bible Study
Request the Digging Deeper Bible Study
Bible Study for “Pursue Peace
Week 1: Exodus 14:13-14; 20:16; Numbers 6:24-26; 1 Samuel 24:11-13; Job 23:10-12; Psalms 15:1-5; 34:1-22; 40:1-3, 11-16; 46:1, 10; 51:1-17; 55:12-14, 20-22; 119:28, 133; 120:7; 121:1-8; 130:5; 131:1-2; 133:1-3; 139:23-24; Proverbs 3:1-18
Week 2: Proverbs 4:23-24; 10:12, 18; 15:1, 4; 16:2, 5; 24:29; 30:33; Isaiah 9:6; 26:3; 53:5-6; Lamentations 3:25-26; Zechariah 4:6; 7:9; 8:16-17; Matthew 5:7-9, 23-24; 6:12-15; 7:1-5; 11:28-30; 18:15-17, 21-35; 22:36-40; Luke 6:32-36; 9:23
Week 3: John 14:27; 15:5; 16:33; Romans 5:1-2; 8:6; 15:13; 12:17-21; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 4:3-5, 7-8, 12-13, 20; 13:1-7, 13; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, 19-24; 13:8, 11-14; Galatians 4:16; 5:13-26; 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:1-3, 25-27, 29-32
Week 4: Philippians 4:4-7, 19-20; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 3:12-13; 4:12-16; 12:14-15; 13:20-21; James 3:13-18; 4:7-12; 5:7-9, 13, 19; 1 Peter 3:8-12; 4:7-8; 5:5-7; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:3-6, 9-11; 4:7-13, 19-21
Seek Peace and Pursue It
God’s Word commands believers to seek peace and pursue it. However, that can be quite challenging for those currently in messy, complicated relationships, perhaps even within their own families. Indeed, seeking true peace is risky because underlying issues must be addressed, and they may not be resolved. But again, God tells us not only to seek peace, but to actively pursue it.
If you are currently experiencing strife with someone, you are undoubtedly angry and upset. However, you don’t need to remain in this troubled state where Satan easily leverages the alternating feelings of self-pity and revenge. Instead, tell God how you feel, rather than repeatedly rehearsing the event in your mind.
Remember, Jesus’ earthly life was spent in conflict with those who viciously opposed Him. And in the end, they lied, held an unjust trial, and put Jesus to death. So, the beautiful truth about Jesus, who rose from the dead victoriously, is that your prayers are received by someone who already knows every detail of what happened and truly understands your pain.
Furthermore, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, so He knows exactly how to help you pursue peace so that separation does not have to be the outcome of your grievances. Are you willing to receive His counsel? If so, ask Jesus to guide you through the steps needed to pursue peace, for nothing is impossible with God.
Are You Willing to Seek Peace
God’s Word is a sobering reminder that harmony in personal relationships is very important to God. But unfortunately, human nature tends to avoid conflict at all costs, so underlying problems go unaddressed and true peace remains unachieved. Therefore, God commands you to actively seek peace in your relationships and pursue it as a goal with His help. Hence, in this post, we will explore what ’make every effort to live in peace’ looks like.
This Bible verse begins with “if it is possible,” acknowledging that it takes two people willing to make peace. And “As far as it depends on you” indicates that your heart is to be at peace toward everyone, even those who remain hostile towards you. Jesus is our model of forgiveness and authentic, sacrificial love, who wants to empower you to reflect Him and be a peacemaker as you rely on Him.
However, apart from the supernatural grace of God, peace will be elusive if you continually review another’s offenses without first asking God to reveal your own sins, such as pride, self-protection, anger, and a desire to win or be proved right. Therefore, watch over your heart with all diligence throughout the peace process.
I Am Too Wounded to Pursue Peace
Perhaps you have read this far and understand what you should do, but right now you are licking your wounds and nursing your hurt. You have no desire to pursue peace with this person because you are still focused on what they said or did, so you are still angry.
You are wounded, weak, and unable to obey God’s command to love, to pursue peace. Can I say that this is right where God wants you! Indeed, your human limitations reveal your need for God’s grace. So, come to Him, acknowledge your weakness, and ask for the faith to believe that, although you can’t, Jesus can!
Nonetheless, if you continue to cover your emotions with a “spiritual” mask, you will never be honest with God or people. Conversely, raw and honest emotions expose your sins, the darkness within, so that you can confess them. Then, God can begin to heal you with His Presence and His Word.
Indeed, when you receive God’s forgiveness for your sins, you are more likely to forgive the sins of others, even toward the one who has treated you as an enemy. So, come to Jesus, who is sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful towards you, and unburden yourself in prayer. Then, you will find rest and the power to pursue peace.
What Are the Obstacles to Peace
The main obstacles to peace and reconciliation are pride and unforgiveness, which keep you from seeing your situation truthfully.
Jesus taught that you cannot have a right relationship with God while neglecting broken relationships with others. So, right now, do you know someone who has something against you? Have you talked to God about how you feel and why you don’t want to talk to them? If not, do that now. Then, rely on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will experience His grace for yourself.
On the other hand, you may neglect God’s command to pursue peace because you are blind to your own sins, namely pride, which prevents reconciliation. Because what drives you is self-protection against personal guilt. Therefore, you automatically justify everything you do.
But sadly, self-protection leads to delusion and self-righteousness, which keeps you further in the shadows and away from the truth. This is what the deceitfulness of sin looks like, and it leads to relational neglect.
Make Every Effort to Pursue Peace
Have you made every effort to seek peace and pursue it? Or are you one who does the bare minimum of obedience to keep up a righteous appearance? For example, you may say, “Well, I tried once or twice to make peace, so my conscience is clear.” But what exactly did you do? Can you honestly say that reconciliation was your goal, or were you more focused on justifying yourself?
For true peace to happen, you must approach another in humility, gentleness, and an attitude of forgiveness because love covers a multitude of sins. However, if you only see the sins of the other person and not your own, you are deceived, and your relationship with them will suffer.
Thus, Jesus tells us to honestly examine our motives and conduct regularly so we do not magnify the sins of others while minimizing our own. Only then will you be ready to pursue peace with another person.
Our fleshly, carnal self is defensive, so having humility and a willingness to receive truth are the keys to seeking and pursuing peace. They are supernatural works of the Holy Spirit, so confess your sins to God and then rely on Him, the ultimate peacemaker, to seek peace.
Peaceful Relationships Require Forgiveness
True forgiveness is an act of God’s grace that happens in our hearts when we depend on Him. So, it is not something that you and I can achieve in the flesh and take credit for.
If God has forgiven your sins, why are you eager to punish another for their sins instead of forgiving them? If this describes you, Jesus invites you to come to Him and release the resentment and punishment you feel they deserve for hurting you. Then, you will be ready to seek peace and pursue it.
You will know you have forgiven someone when their offenses no longer have power over you, regardless of how they respond. Indeed, Christ sets you free when you forgive as God has forgiven you.
Pursue Peace with the Goal of Reconciliation
If the door to peace remains open, pursue it with the goal of reconciliation.
God desires truth in our innermost being. So, to avoid a false peace that cannot last, He commands us to speak the truth in love because there is no genuine love without the truth. Anything else is an insincere attempt to move past a conflict without addressing the underlying hurt or resentment that is necessary for true peace and reconciliation.
Heart issues must be addressed honestly, which is indeed hard work, but think of a wounded relationship as a golden opportunity for an honest and authentic relationship to take root.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
This Bible verse says, “If he listens to you.” It only takes one person to desire peace and pursue it, but it takes two to reconcile and have a relationship. Sometimes you are dealing with an unreasonable, unwilling partner whose words and actions toward you never change. They only see your sins while refusing to acknowledge their own.
Thus, without resolution, there comes a time when God will release you because you have done all that you can. Sadly, the relationship may end, but not for your lack of obedience to seek and pursue peace.
Nevertheless, continue to pray for that person, remain hopeful, trusting that God will continue to work so that, in His timing, there may be a joyous reunion one day. Because if God can raise the dead, He can surely restore a relationship!
Pursue Peace
Please leave your comments below.
Subscribe, and you will not miss my next post.
Bible Teaching and Bible Studies
Bible Teaching
Bible studies
4-Week Bible studies
Inductive Bible Study
Request the Digging Deeper Bible Study
Bible Study for “Pursue Peace
Week 1: Exodus 14:13-14; 20:16; Numbers 6:24-26; 1 Samuel 24:11-13; Job 23:10-12; Psalms 15:1-5; 34:1-22; 40:1-3, 11-16; 46:1, 10; 51:1-17; 55:12-14, 20-22; 119:28, 133; 120:7; 121:1-8; 130:5; 131:1-2; 133:1-3; 139:23-24; Proverbs 3:1-18
Week 2: Proverbs 4:23-24; 10:12, 18; 15:1, 4; 16:2, 5; 24:29; 30:33; Isaiah 9:6; 26:3; 53:5-6; Lamentations 3:25-26; Zechariah 4:6; 7:9; 8:16-17; Matthew 5:7-9, 23-24; 6:12-15; 7:1-5; 11:28-30; 18:15-17, 21-35; 22:36-40; Luke 6:32-36; 9:23
Week 3: John 14:27; 15:5; 16:33; Romans 5:1-2; 8:6; 15:13; 12:17-21; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 4:3-5, 7-8, 12-13, 20; 13:1-7, 13; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, 19-24; 13:8, 11-14; Galatians 4:16; 5:13-26; 6:9-10; Ephesians 4:1-3, 25-27, 29-32
Week 4: Philippians 4:4-7, 19-20; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 3:12-13; 4:12-16; 12:14-15; 13:20-21; James 3:13-18; 4:7-12; 5:7-9, 13, 19; 1 Peter 3:8-12; 4:7-8; 5:5-7; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:3-6, 9-11; 4:7-13, 19-21
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