Love Truth and Peace

Love Truth and Peace

The spiritual person loves peace on the foundation of truth: peace in the light, life-giving peace. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable . . . .” Jas. 3:17. There is peace in purity. “The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3. Not the bond of peace in disunity of the Spirit—that is the peace of the false prophets, those who say, “‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” Jer. 8:11. “Pursue . . . peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22. Pursue it! Yes, pursue peace with all men! Heb. 12:14. The one who does this will become a great warrior. The Lord will teach his hands to wage war. He will always have his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Eph. 6:15. He will understand Jesus’ words, “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” Luke 12:51. There are many people who want to have peace, but extremely few want to go the way of the cross to obtain it in the unity of the Spirit and in purity. In Psalm 120:6-7 we see that the psalmist would have liked to be at peace with people. He says that he is for peace, but those with whom he dwelt together—who doubtless also wanted peace, but in darkness—were always in a state of war with him because he was in the light, in the truth. He loved truth and peace, whereas the others loved lying and peace. In Numbers 25 we see that God gave Phinehas His covenant of peace because he was zealous for his God, because he was ready to wage war and fought against evil. True peace can only be where there is truth and justice. “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Ps. 85:10. “The work of righteousness will be peace.” Isa. 32:17.