We all thirst for it, yet so often we resist yielding to it. What is peace?
Biblically, peace is not something humanity can possess on its own. It comes through the work of God, beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ. While peace might seem to differ from person to person, it takes on multiple forms and ultimately stems from one divine act: Jesus’ death. This single moment brought reconciliation between humanity and God and was designed to ripple into every aspect of life, from our relationships to the conflicts around us.
Jesus promised:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Scripture reminds us again and again that Jesus is our peace:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:13-14)
Jesus came to address the turmoil within us, between us, and among nations. Yet, not all will surrender to Him as their Lord, Savior, and Peace. So, this holiday season, we must ask ourselves: Do we truly have peace?
1. Peace Within: Deliverance from Fear and Uncertainty
Have you been delivered from your fears, doubts, and uncertainties?
When we rebel against God, we live in turmoil. This inner conflict leaves us striving to achieve peace by our own strength, but it is only through surrendering to Jesus that we find true rest. If we cling to our rebellion, we labor in vain, missing the peace that God freely offers.
2. Interpersonal Peace: Wrestling with a Broken World
Interpersonal peace is something we all wrestle with. No one escapes the pain of living in a fallen world.
Those we serve often live in places of constant conflict, where one person’s sin deeply harms another. Many see the world in its darkest form, where evil is not hidden but celebrated. It’s easy to feel distant from Jesus’ peace when the brokenness of humanity seems overwhelming.
If this resonates with you—if you’ve faced the ugly truth of sin and destruction—know this: Jesus’ life and death were meant to renew you. His peace is not of this world but comes from God’s glory. Surrender your offenses and wounds to Him. Only through Christ can we begin to heal and experience the peace we long for in our relationships.
3. International Peace: A Call to Rest
International peace holds a special place in the hearts of the men and women we serve.
Our country is blessed to experience religious freedom, but a small percentage of its people face the harsh realities of global conflicts. Service members and missionaries return home carrying the weight of sin and suffering they’ve encountered abroad. What was once someone else’s war often becomes their burden, leaving their hearts and minds marked by the world’s brokenness.
Within the military community, peace takes on an extraordinary role. As military spouses, peace is what we carry into every personal interaction with our service members, our children, and even ourselves during the hard and joyless moments. This peace is a gift from God that we extend to our families, grounding them in grace during times of uncertainty.
For service members, peace is what you carry from border to border, mission to mission. What a blessing it is to bear witness to God’s peace as you navigate the groans and pains of this world. Together, military spouses and service members have the unique opportunity to testify to our nation about a God who extends peace—internally, interpersonally, and internationally. What a wonderful gift to carry!
This holiday season, I challenge you to explore what peace means to you—not from your own understanding, but through the lens of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
For me, the peace of Jesus Christ is something I cannot create on my own. It is the foundation of my marriage, my relationships, and my daily life as I witness to the world. Peace starts with Christ, is carried by the Holy Spirit, and flows into every aspect of our lives—interpersonally, relationally, and even internationally—until His return.
If you need someone to listen to you, or if you have never felt inner peace and are ready to take the next step, email me at emma@fullrangefoundation.com or message us. We are here to walk with you through it.
Merry Christmas,
Full Range Foundations Team
Written by Emma Martin
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