Day 31 of 45: Kingdom Life & Pursuing Peace

Day 31 of 45: Pursuing Peace

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14

Hebrews 12:14 states, “Pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” This verse emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and striving for holiness in our lives. The call to pursue peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a proactive endeavor to foster reconciliation and harmony in relationships.

This verse encapsulates two key aspects of Christian living: peace and holiness.

1. Striving for Peace: The passage encourages believers to actively pursue peace with others. This isn’t passive avoidance of conflict but an intentional effort to foster reconciliation, understanding, and harmony. The broader context of Hebrews speaks to endurance in faith, which suggests that maintaining peace may require perseverance and humility.
2. Holiness and Seeing God: The second half of the verse underscores the necessity of holiness in one’s life. Holiness, in this context, refers to being set apart for God, living in righteousness and obedience. The phrase “without which no one will see the Lord” emphasizes that holiness is essential for fellowship with God. It is crucial both in this life and in eternity.

In essence, Hebrews 12:14 calls for an active, ongoing commitment to both peace and holiness. It reminds believers that their walk with God is deeply tied to how they live in relationship to others. Their pursuit of righteousness is crucial.

Commentary on Hebrews 12:14

The commentary on Hebrews 12:14 highlights the significance of peace and holiness in the life of a believer. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers explains that the charge to “follow after peace” is general. It must not be limited to peace with fellow Christians. Pursuing peace is crucial during times of persecution. It helps keep unity. It also prevents divisions within the community. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary further elaborates that faith and patience allow believers to follow peace. These qualities help them pursue holiness diligently and with pleasure1. Peace with men of all sects and parties will be favorable to our pursuit of holiness. True peace cannot exist without holiness.

Supporting Scripture

Several scriptures support the teachings of Hebrews 12:14:

1. Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
   • This verse echoes the call to pursue peace with everyone. It emphasizes the importance of making every effort to live harmoniously with others2. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers notes that the Christian can only be responsible for themselves. They should do their best to maintain peace2. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary adds that believers must expect to meet with enemies. The world seldom smiles in agreement with Christ’s2. The verse encourages believers to study the things that make for peace and to avoid seeking vengeance2.
   • This verse emphasizes personal responsibility in fostering peace. Let’s break it down:
     • Conditional Nature: Paul acknowledges that peace isn’t always achievable. The phrase “if possible” recognizes that, despite one’s best efforts, external factors or others’ unwillingness may prevent complete peace.
     • Personal Accountability: The next clause, “so far as it depends on you,” emphasizes personal responsibility. Believers are responsible for their own actions, attitudes, and responses. While others may choose conflict, Christians are called to do their part in promoting peace.
     • A Call to Peaceful Living: The overarching message is one of striving for harmony, patience, and reconciliation. It ties into the broader theme of Romans 12—living transformed lives marked by love, humility, and grace.
2. Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
   • This verse is part of the Beatitudes, a series of blessings Jesus pronounces in His Sermon on the Mount. Here’s a deeper look at its meaning:
     • Peacemakers, Not Just Peacekeepers: Jesus isn’t referring to passive avoidance of conflict. He refers to those who actively work toward reconciliation, justice, and harmony. Peacemakers pursue righteousness, sometimes at great personal cost, rather than simply maintaining superficial peace.
     • Divine Identity: The promise that peacemakers “shall be called sons of God” reflects that they mirror God’s character. God Himself is the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling humanity to Himself through Christ. Those who follow in His footsteps demonstrate their relationship with Him.
     • A Countercultural Calling: In a world often marked by division and strife, Jesus emphasizes the value of peacemaking. It is a hallmark of His kingdom. True peace—shalom in a biblical sense—means completeness, wholeness, and restored relationships.
       • This verse challenges believers to embody God’s nature by actively pursuing peace in their interactions and communities.
       • Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount highlight the value of peacemakers. They play a vital role in reflecting God’s love and grace 3. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers distinguishes between being peaceable and being a peacemaker. It emphasizes that peacemaking involves actively working to reconcile others3. Benson Commentary explains that peacemakers are those who avoid contention and labor to extinguish it wherever it prevails3. They are recognized as genuine children of God due to their likeness to Him3.
3. 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'”
   • This passage highlights a central theme of Christian living: holiness. Here’s a deeper breakdown:
   • God’s Standard of Holiness: The call to holiness is rooted in God’s own nature. Peter references Leviticus 11:44-45, where God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. This emphasizes that holiness isn’t merely moral behavior—it’s being set apart for God’s purposes.
   • Personal and Practical Application: The phrase “in all your conduct” makes it clear. Holiness isn’t limited to religious rituals or beliefs. It should shape everyday life. Believers are called to reflect God’s purity, righteousness, and love in their actions, relationships, and decisions.
   • A Transformational Calling: The broader context of 1 Peter encourages perseverance and faith amidst trials. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin but about pursuing a life that glorifies God, even in difficult circumstances.
     • This verse serves as a powerful reminder. Christian identity is not just about belief. It is about embodying God’s character in the world.
     • This passage reiterates the call to holiness, aligning one’s life with God’s will and purposes
     • Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers emphasizes that believers are called to be holy in every part of their conduct. They should reflect the holiness of God MacLaren’s Expositions adds that holiness is the sum of religion. It involves a life of steadfast hope. It also includes personal holiness and motivated reverence.
4. Leviticus 11:44: “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.”
   • This verse is part of a larger passage concerning dietary laws and purity. However, its deeper theological significance lies in God’s call to holiness. Here’s a closer look:
   • God’s Holiness and Human Consecration: The command “be holy, for I am holy” is a foundational principle in Scripture. God’s holiness is absolute, and He calls His people to reflect His purity and righteousness. This isn’t just about outward rituals but about being set apart for God’s purposes.
   • Avoiding Defilement: The reference to swarming things pertains to dietary restrictions given to Israel. These laws helped distinguish God’s people and reinforced the concept of spiritual and physical purity. Christians today are not bound by Old Testament dietary laws. You can see this in Acts 10:9-16. However, the principle of living in a way that honors God remains.
   • A Call to Dedication: The word “consecrate” signifies intentional commitment—choosing to dedicate oneself to God’s ways rather than worldly influences.
     • This passage ultimately emphasizes that holiness is not just about avoidance of sin. It is also about actively aligning oneself with God’s character.
   • The Old Testament emphasizes ritual purity and adherence to the Law. In the New Testament, this is transformed into a more personal and spiritual dimension. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers explains that God’s people must be holy to enjoy perfect communion with Him. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary adds that the laws about clean and unclean animals were intended to teach the Israelites self-denial. These laws also aimed to keep them distinct from other nations.

Application

The pursuit of peace and holiness is a continuous and active effort. It involves making intentional choices to foster reconciliation, harmony, and moral purity in our lives. When we seek peace in our relationships, we become beacons of God’s love. By striving for holiness, we reflect His grace in a fractured world. This transformation of character aligns our lives with God’s will and purposes. It allows us to experience His presence and guidance both now and in eternity.

In conclusion, Hebrews 12:14 calls us to pursue peace with everyone. It also encourages us to strive for holiness. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. This pursuit is essential for maintaining unity, preventing divisions, and reflecting God’s love and grace in our lives. By embracing this call, we can experience the fullness of God’s presence and live in harmony with others.

1: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers on Hebrews 12:14 

2: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers and Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Romans 12:18 

3: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers and Benson Commentary on Matthew 5:9 

4: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers and MacLaren’s Expositions on 1 Peter 1:15-16 

5: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers and Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Leviticus 11:44