The Christian’s Responsibility for World Peace

GOLDEN TEXT: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” —Matthew 5:9

ROMANS 12:14-21

WHEN Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he evidently had more in mind than simply being an influence for peace in the home and community. Christians should and will be peacemakers in this sense. But the Christian is also called to be an ambassador for Christ in bringing about reconciliation between God and men. Paul wrote, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (II Cor. 5:19) It is in the proper use of the “word of reconciliation” that we thus serve as peacemakers. Those who hear the Word, and by faith receive and obey it, are justified. Paul wrote, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Rom. 5:1

The standard set forth by Paul in Romans 12:14-21 is for dedicated Christians who have covenanted to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. To the worldly-minded it seems foolish to “bless” those who “persecute” them. The entire way of love is beyond the concept of the world, which is governed largely by self-interest.

These instructions are for the consecrated followers of Jesus. These find it a delight to “rejoice with them that do rejoice,” and their sympathetic love causes them to “weep with them that weep.” The world caters considerably to the great, the rich, the influential. But the Christian endeavors to be the same toward all. Christians are not overly impressed with the great, but “condescend to men of low estate [margin, or, be contented with mean things]” And even more important, they are not wise in their “own conceits.”

True followers of the Master are not to render “evil for evil.” They are to endeavor to “provide things honest in the sight of all men.” “If it is possible,” they are to live peaceably with all men. This suggests the possibility that we will not always be able to live peaceably with all men. We cannot compromise principle in order to be in agreement with others. There may have to be a parting of the ways, but even this is no reason for rendering evil to those with whom we disagree.

“Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath,” writes Paul. It is not for us to punish those who render evil to us. This is God’s prerogative. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.”—Lev. 19:18

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” This is an illustration evidently designed to suggest the idea of being shamed and humiliated. To cause our enemies to feel ashamed because we have treated them kindly is a worthwhile accomplishment.

If we allow the evil things which are done to us to cause us to retaliate in kind, then we have been overcome with evil. On the other hand, if we render good for evil, then we are overcomers of evil, at least in our own hearts and lives. This should be the desire and endeavor of every Christian.

I TIMOTHY 2:1,2

God’s chief interest in civil government is the extent to which they maintain law and order, and thereby provide a favorable climate in which new creatures in Christ Jesus can mature in him, and thus be prepared to live and reign with Christ. True, the Lord’s people need a measure of hardship in order to grow strong in the Lord; and no matter how severe their experiences may be, the Lord can give them strength to endure, and overrule all to his glory. But generally speaking, the “little flock” class make good progress in a society in which the criminal elements are kept in check, and they are permitted without molestation to assemble for meetings, and to conduct their service of the Lord.

This is the reason Paul gives for admonishing the brethren to pray for “all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.” He states: “That we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

We should be especially thankful if we are living in a country where it is possible to “lead a quiet and peaceable life.” It is appropriate that we respect the laws of the land which contribute to a situation of this sort. Going a verse beyond the lesson we find Paul saying, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Yes, God loves “all men,” and has provided for their salvation, so he is pleased if we pray for their enlightenment.

QUESTIONS

How are Christians peacemakers in the plan of God?

For whom is the standard of conduct set forth in Romans 12:14-21?

Name some of the rules set forth by Paul in these verses.

Why should Christians pray for kings and for others in responsible positions in civil governments?

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