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What does the Bible say about peace? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
The idea of peace is perfectly defined by the Greatest Commandment, which teaches to love God and fellow man.
From Jesus to Paul, Christians are called to live a life of peace. Jesus gave us the perfect example when He commanded Peter to lay down his sword at the time of His arrest (John 18:11). In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), instructed us to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Jesus embodied peace in every sense. He is, as the prophet declared, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus showed strength through self-control, compassion, and obedience to the Father. The same Lord who calmed the raging sea also brings calm to the restless heart.
Paul similarly wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:17–18).
Notice Paul’s words—if possible. He understood that in a fallen world, conflict and confrontation would exist. Still, believers are called to rise above anger, pride and vengeance.
Christians are to live peacefully in a world filled with turmoil, trusting in the sovereignty of Christ. When Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-14), He reminded us that our actions will be profound in such a dark world.
During the Great War, former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George famously declared, “It is to be Christ or chaos for the world.” Those words remain true today. Genuine peace only comes through Christ.
During World War II, many Christians remarked that the only way the war would ever truly end was if Jesus Christ sat at the negotiation table.
Christians have every right to speak boldly for their faith and often defend their faith. Throughout history, followers of Christ have been anchors in defining moments, from leading the abolitionist cause to standing against tyranny in defense of human dignity. Yet even then, the teachings of Christ remain clear: peace must always prevail.
It is no surprise that President Ronald Reagan lived by the motto of faith, freedom, and peace. These three are inseparable for the believer. Faith in Christ leads to true freedom, and true freedom produces peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27).
Peace only exists in genuine understanding and faith in Jesus Christ.