Biblical Answer

Can our faith be a source of peace in times of war?

The Promise of Peace in Christ

The Bible promises that our faith in Jesus Christ can be a source of peace in times of war. In Romans 5:1, it is written, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not just a feeling or a absence of conflict, but a restored relationship with God. As the passage explains, "The peace of God does not come into this concept at all." The real peace of God is a peace that brings both power to face and live with one's own badness and the badness of others.

The Conflict of War

However, the Bible also acknowledges that war can be a reality in our lives, and that even as Christians, we may find ourselves in the midst of conflict. In Matthew 10:34, Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." This means that we will not always have peace in all our relationships, and that sometimes we will have to face difficult choices and conflicts. But even in the midst of war, our faith can be a source of peace. As the passage explains, "We long to go back into the tangle of our life, and make right the things that are wrong... And something like that Christ did for us."

The Example of Christ

The example of Jesus Christ himself is a powerful reminder of the peace that can be found in faith, even in the midst of war. Christ did not come to bring peace to the world, but a sword, yet he showed us what it means to live a life of peace and obedience to God, even in the face of conflict. As we follow Christ's example, we can find peace in our own lives, even in the midst of war. This peace is not just a feeling, but a restored relationship with God, and a sense of power to face and live with our own badness and the badness of others. As we trust in Christ and follow his example, we can find peace in the midst of war, and live out our faith with confidence and courage.