“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and
to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14 NIV
First of all, all of us have to live in
peace with everybody, especially if we are followers of Jesus Christ. The main reason
for this is that we are members of His body (Colossians 3:15). This means we have to be
united with one another to live in Him truthfully, for He prayed before His
Father to let this happen (John 17:20-23). In addition, if we are not
living in peace with everyone, then we are breaking one of God’s laws that His
children must have, for Jesus Christ states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
(Matthew 5:9) In fact, peace is a part of
the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and before Jesus was
crucified, He have said, “Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) This means that world’s peace
is only for temporary but the peace of God is eternal if we keep in step with
the Spirit of God. “For the kingdom of
God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy
in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) Because of this and not
having peace of God within us burdens us, Christ has invited us to come and
rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
Therefore, as
God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive
one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all
together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)
Secondly, we ought to be holy in everything
that we do as well, if we really know we are children of God (1 Peter 1:14-16). This means that we must
have pure soul, heart (Matthew 5:8) and mind (Philippians 4:8). The main reason for this
is we actually have been created to be images of God (Genesis 1:27) “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;
those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30) In other words, if we do
not have pure souls, hearts and minds, then we fail to be godly in the Spirit (1 Timothy 4:8), for being Holy is one of
the most important characteristic attributes that God has. “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as
Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
(1 Peter 2:21) To be more specific, once
Satan arrived into the world (Revelation 12:7-9), we became sinners and
enemies of God (Romans 3:23). However, Jesus Christ was crucified on the
cross for our sins and we have been made righteous and holy in the sight of God
(2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:21-22) This means that God,
the Creator (Genesis 1:1) and our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) had forgiven us according to
His Steadfast love (Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrews 2:14-15) and is willing to forgive
us again once we truly repent (1 John 1:8-10).
You have heard
that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you,
love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be
children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and
the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love
those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors
doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than
others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly
Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
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