Exploring the Attributes of God: Focus on Peace

Exploring Biblical Foundations for True Peace, Peacemaking, and Navigating Power Dynamics

Have you ever pondered what it means to truly live in peace—both within yourself and among those around you? Of all the attributes we use to describe God, peace stands out as one of the most profound. Scripture calls God “Yahweh Shalom,” the Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24), reminding us that peace is not simply an emotion, but the very nature of God Himself. In this post, we’ll explore the biblical roots of peace, examine how Jesus modeled peace, and discover practical ways Christians can become peacemakers, fortified by Scripture at every turn—including guidance for achieving peace and harmony when there are power dynamics, like between church leaders and congregants or within vulnerable communities.

Peace and Peacemaking—Defining the Terms with the Bible

What is peace? According to Merriam-Webster and Oxford, it is tranquility, harmony, and freedom from disturbance. The Cambridge Dictionary adds “freedom from war and violence, especially when people live and work together happily without disagreements” The United Nations sees peace as “dignity, well-being for all, not just absence of war.”

Biblically, peace (Hebrew: shalom) encompasses wholeness, completeness, and restoration. Isaiah 26:3 proclaims, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” True peace with God begins only when we surrender to Him through Christ (Romans 5:1). Dr. Charles Stanley put it this way: “Peace with God means that you and the Lord are in harmony with each other. You have a sense of oneness, of unity with Him.”

What about peacemakers? The Bible’s definition goes beyond mediating quarrels. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemaking involves loving enemies (Matthew 5:44), praying for those who persecute us, greeting those who are different (Matthew 5:47), and even surrendering our rights for the sake of harmony (Matthew 5:38-42). Paul writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).

Biblical Evidence of God’s Peaceful Nature

From the very beginning, God’s creative acts were marked by peace and harmony. Genesis 1:31 declares, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” Adam and Eve lived in perfect unity with God (Genesis 2:25), with each other, and with creation, until they sinned. Their rebellion shattered this peace and blame quickly replaced harmony (Genesis 3:12-13).

God’s peace endures even after human failure. During the flood, God sent a dove to Noah with an olive branch—a sign of a restored relationship (Genesis 8:11). After the flood, God made a covenant of peace with Noah and his descendants, promising never again to destroy all life (Genesis 9:8-17).

Abraham showed peacemaking in action when his herdsmen and Lot’s clashed: “Let there be no strife between you and me … for we are brothers” (Genesis 13:8). Although Abraham was older, and the leader, and had every right to choose the best of the land, he allowed Lot to choose first, demonstrating humility and trust in God’s provision (Genesis 13:9). Isaac, Abraham’s son, echoed this when the Philistines blocked up well after well that he dug to get water. Isaac gave up his rights and walked away to prevent conflict, surrendering several wells to the Philistines until God led him to Rehoboth, saying, “Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land” (Genesis 26:22).

Abigail’s story in 1 Samuel 25 is a shining example of peacemaking. Her wisdom, humility, and generosity prevented David from committing violence after her husband Nabal’s insult. She approached David with gifts and a plea for mercy, calming his rage and avoiding bloodshed (1 Samuel 25:23-31). As a result, David praised her discernment (1 Samuel 25:32-33). Her actions prevented disaster and ultimately led to a new future for herself.

Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Prince of Peace

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied, “For unto us a Child is born … and His name shall be called … Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). At His birth the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). Jesus’ ministry continually revealed God’s peace—He calmed storms (Mark 4:39), cast out demons to restore minds (Mark 5:15), and offered forgiveness and reconciliation to sinners (Luke 7:47-50).

On several occasions, Jesus escaped violent crowds not with anger, but with peace: “But passing through their midst, he went away” (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). He taught His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you … let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

The heart of the gospel is peacemaking through Christ’s sacrifice: “For God was pleased … through him to reconcile to himself all things … by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20; cf. Ephesians 2:14-17). Through Jesus, believers are reconciled to God and empowered to pursue peace with others.

Living Out Peace as Christians—A Scriptural Mandate

The call to be peacemakers is not optional. Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Paul urges, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Hebrews 12:14 instructs, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone, and to be holy.”

Practical, Biblical Ways to Pursue Peace:

• Forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14-15)
• Respond gently to anger (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19)
• Seek reconciliation: “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault … if he listens, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15)
• Bear with others patiently (Ephesians 4:2-3)
• Pray for those who mistreat you (Matthew 5:44)
• Speak truth with love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Live in humility, putting others first (Philippians 2:3)
• Foster peace in power dynamics by advocating for justice, listening actively, and empowering vulnerable voices.

Achieving Peace and Harmony Amid Power Dynamics

Peace and harmony are sometimes disrupted by power dynamics, whether they arise between church leaders and their congregations or within communities that are particularly vulnerable. The biblical call to peacemaking is especially relevant in these contexts, offering a pathway to genuine reconciliation and dignity for all.

• Servant Leadership: Jesus modeled servant leadership, teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Church leaders are called to shepherd with humility, seeking the well-being of those entrusted to their care, rather than exercising authority for self-centered reasons.
• Mutual Respect and Listening: Peace is fostered when leaders actively listen to the concerns of congregants and vulnerable members, valuing their experiences and perspectives. James 1:19 encourages, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” The word of God is intended to be used as bread to feed hungry souls instead of being used as stones to cruelly hurt others.
• Justice and Advocacy: The prophets repeatedly call God’s people to defend the rights of the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8). Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice. Leaders can promote harmony by advocating for fairness, transparency, and the protection of those who lack power.
• Restorative Practices: When harm occurs, biblical peacemaking involves confession, forgiveness, and restoration (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1). Leaders and congregants are called to seek reconciliation, not retribution, and to restore relationships wherever possible.
• Empowering the Vulnerable: Following Jesus’ example, the church is called to empower those on the margins—offering support, dignity, and opportunities for participation in decision-making. Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
• Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication builds trust and fosters peace, especially when leaders are transparent about decisions and invite feedback from the community.

In all these ways, the church can reflect the peace of God by creating spaces where every voice is heard, justice is pursued, and relationships are marked by compassion and humility. This not only promotes harmony within the congregation but also witnesses to the reconciling love of Christ in the broader community. True peace is not passive or superficial—it is the active, powerful work of God’s Spirit in our hearts. As we follow Christ and His Word, we are empowered to extend peace to our families, communities, and even our enemies. If you’re seeking deeper harmony, remember: the God of Peace is always ready to guide, restore, and help you become an agent of reconciliation in your world—even in situations where power imbalances exist.