“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11
I would wager, the most attractive words in Paul’s closing statement to the Church in Corinth are ‘live in peace’. Most attractive in the sense of our current social culture especially. Peace is popular topic. It’s been a popular topic for centuries, because we’ve never gotten there in a complete sense. If peace was achieved in the social context we seek it, there’d be nothing for us to talk about. There has always been, and always will be conflict, war, pain, and suffering on this planet.
At some level, Paul’s parting words seem impossible to achieve.
“All we are saying, is give peace a chance” – John Lennon
Truly, the late and great Lennon was echoing Paul the Apostle’s plea. (In a social context) Paul was reaching out to a culture infected with division, anger, and chaos. (2 Cor 12:20) Rejoicing is good, restoration is good, comforting one another is good, mutual agreement is good, and peace is certainly very good. That being said, the implications Paul upholds in his letter stretch beyond social order alone.
“Live in peace’ and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Why is social order important? Simple. Social Disorder does not cultivate the unmatched love and peace of God. Social Order’s aim is not the peace of men, but the peace of God. What’s the difference?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” – Jesus (John 14:27)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heard; I have overcome the world.” – Jesus (John 16:33)
The peace found through Jesus is not the same as the peace attempted by men. God by grace, removed an infinitely more challenging barrier of disorder through Christ. The barrier created by sin between man and God. So Paul’s plea is to ‘Rejoice’! Rejoice that the disorder we have no control over has been resolved through Christ. Then, Paul would bid us to aim to mirror this miracle of grace in community. So that the love and peace that come’s through Him would increase.
The peace of God provides the ability to seek the peace of men, which in turn gives increase to the pleasure found in Him. We naturally want to strive for peace in a complete sense. So, may we seek it from Christ who gives a taste now, and in fullness with Him in eternity.
Grace and Peace
