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What is your concept of God? It must have been interesting as Christianity spread across the Roman world. The Roman and Greek concepts of gods and goddesses was so different from what Scripture teaches. They had a god or goddess for just about everything. The Romans had a god of war, Mars, as well as a goddess of war. But I find it interesting they had no god of peace. The Greeks had a goddess named Eirene, which means “peace,” but that seemed to be an extra duty in addition to being the goddess of Spring.
In contrast to these false gods, the God of the Bible is never described as a god of war. He did direct the ancient Israelites to wage war. He is described as a judge executing judgement. But he is never portrayed as the god of war. In fact, he is the one who establishes peace with those subject to his judgement – if they choose that peace through Jesus.
So, when you think of God, think of him as the God of peace. Paul repeatedly refers to God in this way – usually near the end of his letters. One example is 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”(NIV)
So, if you are looking for peace in your life, then look to God.
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.