For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.

Ephesians 2:14

These days it seems hard to find the peace we so desperately crave. This world feels more divided than ever, and conflict in our families, our communities, our country, and the world consumes and overwhelms. But Jesus came down over 2000 years ago. He destroyed the barriers that separated. His death and resurrection united Jews and Gentiles, but He also united us—not only with God, but also with each other! What sin had separated, Jesus connected. What had been divided, Jesus joined. Yet there continues to be hostility everywhere we look, among those who don’t know Jesus, and sadly, also among those of us who do. Sometimes the peace of Jesus feels very far away. 

This verse doesn’t answer the question “What is peace?” or “Where is peace?” It defines peace by answering “WHO is peace?” Peace is a Person. Peace is Jesus! And the Peace, the Jesus, in this world must begin with the Peace, the Jesus, in each of us! In order to live at peace, there must be surrender. Before we can solve any conflict “out there”, we must lay down the pride that’s inside. Regardless of our politics, our race, our economic status, or anything else, Jesus destroyed the barriers, and we have absolutely no business trying to build them right back up. If Jesus united all believers, we should not be in conflict with each other, no matter what. This world, and the enemy of love, fights to tear apart what Jesus brought together by telling us to only focus on our differences. It wants us divided, because divided is broken. But Jesus calls us to focus on what unites us instead: HIMSELF!! For He Himself is our Peace! 

If you are struggling to find the peace of Jesus, you will only find it when you focus on Him. Because Peace was born in a stable. Peace made the lame walk, the blind see, and the dead rise. Peace was nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb. Peace conquered death. Peace loves, Peace forgives, Peace unites, and Peace lives. Peace is the greatest gift this world will ever know, and He is calling you to be peace in the world. Look beyond the barriers and love anyway. Don’t fight to be “right”. Fight to be peace in the world. Fight to be Jesus wherever you go! THAT is a fight worth winning! You are deeply loved!