Peace

In the biblical context, peace is a multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of harmony, wholeness, and well-being. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," signifies completeness and soundness, while the Greek word "eirene" in the New Testament conveys a similar sense of tranquility and harmony.

The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of peace. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as the "God of peace" (Judges 6:24), and His covenant with His people is described as a "covenant of peace" (Ezekiel 37:26). The prophetic literature anticipates the coming of the Messiah, who is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). This messianic peace is not merely political but spiritual, offering reconciliation between God and humanity.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and imparts peace. At His birth, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14). Jesus Himself declared, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). This peace is distinct from worldly peace, as it is rooted in the reconciliation achieved through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

The apostolic writings further emphasize the role of peace in the life of believers. The Apostle Paul frequently opens his epistles with the greeting of "grace and peace" (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3), underscoring the centrality of peace in the Christian experience. Believers are called to live in peace with one another (Romans 12:18) and to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15).

Non-Retaliation

Non-retaliation is a key ethical teaching in the Bible, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves refraining from responding to evil with evil and instead overcoming evil with good. This principle is rooted in the character of God, who is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (Exodus 34:6).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a radical ethic of non-retaliation: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:38-39). This teaching challenges the prevailing norms of retribution and calls for a response characterized by grace and forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in his epistle to the Romans: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:17-19). Paul emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are to trust in His justice.

Non-retaliation is not a call to passivity but an active pursuit of peace and reconciliation. It requires strength and courage to respond to hostility with love and to seek the well-being of others, even at personal cost. This ethic is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who, when reviled, did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

The biblical call to peace and non-retaliation challenges believers to reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others, promoting a community marked by love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.