Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter how you choose to define peace, all people desire peace.* Some of our definitions of peace may be more complete than others, but all of us have experiences and longings that shape our idea of the definition of peace and leave us missing the mark.* Knowing what Paul meant by talking about peace is very important to understand what God wanted to communicate.*
The peace that Paul refers to is not just an absence of violence, but a wholeness akin to the understanding of shalom.* The word for peace that Paul uses refers to a general sense of harmonious well-being associated with the blessing and prosperity of God.* This word for peace differs greatly from the peace that the Roman Empire in the time of Paul (the prevailing culture of his time) provided by brutal force and control.* It cannot be found in a self-help book, and will remain illusive to all who pursue it apart from God.*
The peace that Paul refers to differs from the “peace of God” found in Philippians 4:7.* Paul refers to “peace with God.” Peace with God exists as an objective reality for those who believe in Christ Jesus.* It does not depend upon feeling, though it may influence it. The peace of God is a subjective experience that wells up inside of us when we reflect upon the blessings we receive from Jesus.* This feeling consists of a sense of security and serenity.*
How many in our self-help culture chase after this sort of peace? Attempting to find security and serenity of the soul, spiritual practices and exercises and habits are passionately pursued in vain. Why are they pursued in vain? The peace of God only comes once peace with God has been received.* Peace with God impacts every area of a person’s life.* The lack of peace with God is the predicament of every person’s life.*
The gift of peace with God is not to be overlooked. If you are reading this and you believe in Jesus, you have this precious gift! You have peace with God… this impacts today and it impacts eternity.*
Here is the good news: because of Jesus, you have peace with God. This impacts every area of your life. Today, we have a chance to recognize this powerful truth. If there is an area that we are lacking the peace of God, it might be that we have lost sight of peace with God.
Recognizing the gift of peace with God is not intended to be a compassion-less bandaid for all ailments. Recognizing the gift of peace with God is a recognition that we are in good standing with the One who can fill any and every gap in our lives. Reflecting on this knowledge will surely help us stay in the peace of God.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to take a deep breath and reflect on your peace with God. Perhaps He wants to speak to you today about what that means. Maybe God wants you to enjoy peace with God even in the suffering of your circumstance. Perhaps today God wants you to allow Him to define peace in your life.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a water break… we all get thirsty.
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*Kruse, C. G. (2012). Paul’s Letter to the Romans (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 225–227). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Osborne, G. R. (2004). Romans (pp. 126–127). InterVarsity Press;
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (p. 218–219). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Moo, D. J. (2000). Romans (p. 169–177). Zondervan Publishing House.