Published on 06/3/2008

A step forward, a step back. Today's New York Times reports that Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan have been routed by U.S. Marines, but the insurgents will likely find sanctuary along the border and the fighting will continue. Meanwhile, conflicts over Iranian nuclear ambitions and Myanmar's horrific military regime continue to dominate the news. Our world has never needed lasting peace more than we need it today.

In recent weeks we've been seeking the true happiness only Jesus can give by exploring his Beatitudes. Today we come to the seventh: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," (Matthew 5:9). The Hebrew word for peace is "shalom": peace with God, self and others. Do you need such peace in your soul today? Perhaps you are struggling with guilt over the past or fear about the future. Or maybe you're dealing with conflicts in your family or other relationships. Our world is desperate for peace. But we cannot make peace with others unless we first have peace within ourselves. And we cannot find such peace anywhere but in our relationship with God.

The Bible says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11). Jesus promised us, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). Later he said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Peace is one of the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22). It is the result of the Spirit's work, not human ability. One researcher has determined that in the last 4,000 years, there have been less than 300 years of peace in the world. We cannot create peace ourselves. We can only receive it from God. How? Here are some answers from God's word.

First, if you want peace, accept the love of God. Actress Sophia Loren told USA Today, "I should go to heaven; otherwise it's not nice. I haven't done anything wrong. My conscience is very clean. My soul is as white as those orchids over there, and I should go straight, straight to heaven." Listen, by contrast, to the word of God.

The prophet said of Jesus, "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). When we accept Jesus' forgiving love, we receive God's peace: "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). How do we receive such peace? Let's continue tomorrow.