Pursue Peace

"So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony (peace) and for mutual upholding (edification and development) of one another." Romans 14:19

pursue :

Greek: dioko - ensue, follow after, press toward.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: To follow with a view to overtake; To endeavor to attain to; to strive to reach or gain.

peace:

Greek: eirene - peace, rest; incontrast with strife- denoting absence or end of strife.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary: To be at peace, to be reconciled; to live in harmony; To make peace, to reconcile, as parties at variance.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and we are His... we are to pursue peace. Pursue it with a passion as if we were running a race yet we are behind the pack... pursue each person in front of you. As God shows you where peace needs to be made run to that person and make peace. Making peace does not mean keeping peace, it is an active pursuit of, a pressing toward reconciliation, the end of strife. That may mean asking for forgiveness, it may mean doing something kind or helpful, or difficult...it may mean laying down your pride to yield to another which means humility. Remember that Christ Himself willingly came and humbled Himself for us so we, through Him, can be humble.

Yet in order to be instruments of His peace, we must let His peace rest in us. He must be our source of peace.

Colossians 3:15 tells us, "And let the peace of God rest in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful."

God does not give peace as the world gives but a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is our privilege to be instruments of His peace.