The Peace of God vs. The Peace of the World
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
In the Scripture above written by the Apostle John, Jesus mentioned a kind of peace that the world could not give which illuminates that there is a false kind of peace which the world is giving. What could he mean by this? What is the difference between the two?
First, let us take a look at the kind of peace the world could give – luxury, comfort, riches, money, and all material things. Many people have their peace knowing that they have money to provide food for them, a comfortable house that would protect them during typhoons, and they could have all they want because they are capable of paying. This kind of peace is what the world can give you. But these things can be taken, stolen and destroyed for these are temporary things. When their money is stolen, house burnt down with fire, or enters into a bankruptcy; do you think they still have the peace they once had? They would probably panic, get stressed or worried not knowing where to get money to buy food, or where to sleep or stay for shelter. This is the kind of peace the world could give – it is temporary and based things that you can see.
Now, let’s take a look at the kind of peace only Jesus can give, and not as the world gives – love, joy, peace, spiritual comfort, and confidence in God alone. People who have none but God have their peace knowing that God would take care of them no matter what happens in life; they have the LORD who would protect them even when typhoons come; they have a Heavenly Father who would see to it that His children won’t go hungry. If such people lose their house or their money, do you think they still have their peace? Definitely yes because they do not put their confidence and trust on things that are temporary but on the One who is faithful and Eternal.
When Jesus said this to the disciples, He was encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled even when He is gone (physically) because Jesus knew that He would be coming back for them through the Holy Spirit. Jesus wanted His disciples to receive the peace that comes from Him for He will never leave them or forsake them even as He ascends to heaven.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we too should not put our trust and confidence in the things of the world for the peace that comes from the world is based on temporary moments. Instead, our peace would come from putting our confidence and trust in God who will make sure that all His children will be alright.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
