As I read the letters written by Paul, Peter and John, I notice that they always either begin or end their letters with a blessing of peace. What I think we, as American Christians, need to learn is that "peace" is not necessarily a condition of calm or lack of conflict.
Just about every letter in the New Testament mentions persecution either the writer or the recipients are enduring. The Roman world was very hostile to Christians at the beginning of the church age. Many faced arrest, beatings and/or death because of their stand for Christ.
Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) But He also said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)
The key to peace in the midst of rising political conflict around the world, natural disaster, violence in our cities, and all the other things that cause people to fear is "IN ME". Jesus said the only way to have peace is to commit our lives to Him. Then the Spirit of the living God will bring forth His fruit in our lives - "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is possible to have a life characterized by peace when the world seems to be falling apart around us, but only when our lives are in submission to Jesus Christ.
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