Matthew 10:34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
This is a verse many people wish wasn’t in the Bible. It is in direct contrast to the idea of “Go along to get along.” As Paul said, we aren’t to spark conflict needlessly, (Romans 12:18) but we aren’t to compromise our faith for the sake of external harmony. Jesus did say, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” (Matthew 5:9) but that is never to be in violation of God’s principles. Being quiet in the face of injustice isn’t being a peacemaker. Failing to warn someone they are headed for hell isn’t being kind to them, even if they react violently against being told that. There are many seeming contradictions in Scripture, but only if we look at them from a strictly human perspective. Our definitions of “peace” and “sword” don’t necessarily agree with God’s! Right now there are various places on earth that are in active conflicts, notably including Iran. We might be upset at various aspects of what is going on, but the question is always, what is God’s aim in this? We are not to be knee-jerk “peaceniks,” but rather “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” (Matthew 6:33) allowing Him to show us His plans and our part in them. Ultimately, the only peace that really counts is peace with Him.
Having been born in Japan shortly after the end of WWII, spending the first day of the first grade in bomb shelter drills because of the Korean War, and being drafted during the Vietnam War, I am all too familiar with active conflict. At the same time, my personality tries to avoid conflict. I have endured more of it than I would like, but I am well aware that it is part of life on this earth. I keep coming back to the fact that Jesus never promised us things would be easy here. However, He offers us inner peace in the middle of all the conflict. (John 16:33) I am not to pick arguments, but I am to speak the truth in love, regardless of the response. I should aim for peace, just as Paul said, but remember that peace on this earth isn’t the ultimate good. After all, Revelation is pretty violent! I am not to let my soul, my spirit, be agitated by conflict, but rather stand firm and secure in Christ Jesus my Lord. That is peace worth dying for!
Father, thank You for this Word. I run into all sorts of definitions of peace and expectations of peace. May I be a carrier of Your peace, and at the same time be uncompromising in Your truth, so that Your truth may indeed set people free, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!