Let There Be Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Peace often feels like a distant dream in a world marked by division, violence, and unrest. Yet Jesus calls us not just to long for peace, but to live it. The beloved hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth” begins with a powerful line: “and let it begin with me.” That’s not just poetic—it’s profoundly biblical. True peace begins with God, is made personal through Christ, and is carried outward by those who bear His Spirit.

One of His names in the Old Testament is Yahweh-Shalom—“The Lord is Peace” (Judges 6:24). This name, given by Gideon after a divine encounter, reminds us that peace is not just something God offers; it is part of His very nature. The Hebrew word shalom speaks of wholeness, harmony, and flourishing in every dimension of life—not merely inner calm, but also right relationships, justice, and the well-being of communities. It is the peace of things being as they ought to be—within us, between us, and around us.

We see this peace in creation, where God brought order out of chaos and declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). We see it in Jesus, who commanded the elements with a word: “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). And we see it in the gift of reconciliation—“since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), offers not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of divine calm and restoration: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).

As recipients of God’s peace, we are called to be its agents. The peace of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) begins within us, transforming our hearts and shaping our relationships. From there, it shines outward. We may not be able to end wars or heal nations overnight, but we can cultivate peace in our homes, churches, and communities. As Paul urges, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). 

Societal peace begins in micro-environments—our conversations, our choices, our witness. When we walk in step with the Spirit and join with other believers, we become a living testimony to the God of shalom. As the hymn reminds us, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

God of Peace, You calmed the storm with a word and reconciled us to Yourself through Christ. Let Your peace dwell richly in our hearts. Teach us to be peacemakers in a world that so desperately needs healing. May Your Spirit guide our words, our actions, and our relationships. And as the song says, let there be peace on earth—and let it begin with us. In Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray, Amen.

Shalom,

Pastor Tim

To reflect further, you can read the full lyrics to “Let There Be Peace on Earth” here.