Topical Bible: Joy: Experienced by Peace-Makers

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In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than temporal circumstances. One of the key avenues through which joy is experienced is through the pursuit and establishment of peace, as exemplified by peace-makers. The Bible places significant emphasis on the blessedness and joy that accompany those who actively seek to create and maintain peace.

Biblical Foundation

The Beatitudes, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, highlight the blessed state of peace-makers. Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This pronouncement underscores the divine approval and joy that peace-makers receive, as they reflect the character of God Himself, who is the ultimate source of peace.

Joy in Reconciliation

Peace-making often involves reconciliation, a process that brings joy both to the reconciler and those reconciled. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the joy that comes from living in harmony with others: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). The joy of reconciliation is further illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father's joy is palpable upon the return and reconciliation with his wayward son.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a peace-maker, producing the fruit of joy as a natural outcome of a Spirit-led life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists joy and peace as fruits of the Spirit, indicating that they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. The presence of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue peace, resulting in a deep-seated joy that transcends human understanding.

Joy in the Community of Believers

The early church provides a model of joy experienced through communal peace-making. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early Christians as being "filled with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . Their commitment to peace and unity brought about a collective joy that was both a witness to the world and a source of strength for the community.

Peace-Making as a Reflection of Christ

Christ Himself is the ultimate peace-maker, having reconciled humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of Christ as "our peace," who has "made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" . As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate His example, finding joy in the ministry of reconciliation and peace-making.

Eternal Joy

The joy experienced by peace-makers is not limited to this life but extends into eternity. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This ultimate peace ushers in eternal joy for those who have faithfully pursued peace on earth.

In summary, the joy experienced by peace-makers is deeply rooted in their alignment with God's will, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ. It is a joy that transcends circumstances and is both a present reality and a future promise for those who diligently seek peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ideal of To-Day
... Blessed are the meek, the merciful, the peace-makers, the pure ... the human love he
has ever experienced he holds ... with our noblest effort, touches our joy with an ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/ii the ideal of to-day.htm

Preface --The Author's Object --The Utility of Written ...
... And truly "blessed are the peace-makers," [1811] who instructing ... Restore to me the
joy of Thy salvation, and ... task is not easy to those not experienced; these I ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter i prefacethe authors objectthe utility.htm

A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 9-Jan
... of His teaching when they actually experienced His benignant ... see [1248] ; and through
the unspeakable joy of eternal ... "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xcv a homily on.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... deeper work in their hearts than they had yet experienced. ... bathed in tears, and others
rejoicing with joy unspeakable ... It is your part to be peace-makers: to be ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm

Biographical Preface.
... of God is the meek, the pure, the peacemakers, the humble ... is no redeemed soul but
what has experienced this refreshing from ... to him as well as divine joy, and he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/biographical preface.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... think in what a state of joy or torment ... unity, when they are grown more experienced,
are zealous ... And therefore, such peace-makers as these before-mentioned do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm