Biblical Answer

The Nature of Peace

The Bible teaches that the peace of God is not the absence of conflict, but rather a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This peace is not based on our internal goodness, but rather on God's favor and acceptance of us through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). The Bible also teaches that this peace is not always accompanied by a sense of calm or absence of conflict, but rather by a sense of power to face and live with our own badness and the badness of others (Rom. 5:3-5). In fact, the Bible teaches that this peace often comes at a cost, and that we may experience conflict and opposition as we seek to live out our faith.

The Reality of War

As Christians, we are often unaware that we are in a war, or we forget that we are in a war. This war is not just a physical conflict, but also a spiritual one, where we are called to stand against the forces of evil and to live out our faith in the midst of opposition. The Bible teaches that this war is real, and that we are not just innocent bystanders, but rather active participants in the conflict (Eph. 6:12). As such, we must be vigilant and prepared to face the challenges and conflicts that come our way.

Finding Peace in the Midst of War

Despite the reality of war, the Bible teaches that we can find peace in the midst of conflict. This peace is not based on our circumstances, but rather on our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As we trust in God and seek to live out our faith, we can experience a sense of peace and assurance that is not based on our feelings or circumstances, but rather on God's promise to be with us and to guide us through the challenges of life (Matt. 28:20). This peace is not a feeling of calm or absence of conflict, but rather a sense of power and confidence to face the challenges of life, even in the midst of war. As we seek to live out our faith and to stand against the forces of evil, we can experience this peace and find comfort and strength in the midst of conflict.