Peace
Understanding peace as reconciliation and living at peace online.
Teaching
When you think of 'peace', what first comes to mind? A person sitting on a beach at sunset? Maybe the peace symbol? A dove?
So it may be a surprise to learn that in the Scriptures, "the Bible's prominent meaning of peace is political." As The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery further explains, "Thus 'peacemaker' was a political position, an ambassador of peace—someone who ended wars, brought physical safety and health to people, sought people's well-being, and brought justice. Jesus is the Prince of Peace because Jesus makes Jew and Gentile one, breaking their dividing wall of hostility and reconciling them (Is 9:6; Eph 2:14-17)."
You see, as God establishes peace with us, we experience internal peace. But God also establishes that we are at peace with one another.
What follows? The more we understand what God has done, the more we will do to live at peace with one another.
Reflection Questions
- 01
What has God done to make peace with you? What does 'reconciliation' mean?
- 02
How does your identity as an 'ambassador for Christ' affect your behavior online?
- 03
What would it look like to not regard anyone 'from a worldly perspective' or 'according to the flesh' in your online community?
Discussion Question
- 01
What do you see as the barriers to living at peace with others online?