Luke 2: 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
As the angels of God announced the birth of Jesus, the purpose of God towards the human family was enshrined in their song, a singular purpose of peace and goodwill toward men, which has always been God’s will from the beginning, and which could be materialized in our world, if we were to cooperate with the heavenly agencies.
Peace and goodwill do not come by accident in our world; nations do not just stop fighting one another, nor do opposing political parties suddenly come to a peaceful reconciliation, without well directed efforts in harmony with the purposes and power of God.
When Jesus walked this earth, He manifested in His person and in all of His doings what peace and good will look like in real time and He demonstrated all of the ways and means, principles and laws whereby they are to be accomplished.
Both Christ’s character, and the many ways in which He implemented peace and good will, should be the theme and study of all who desire peace, which has become an increasingly scarce commodity on earth.
The study for today will focus squarely on the basic Godly principles whereby peace and goodwill are to be achieved. Several of them would be highlighted in the life of Christ, and then a practical application will be made in our own sphere, if we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
[1] The foundational principle of peace and good will is love. Not the kind that seeks one’s benefit but rather seeks the good and well being of others first. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 13: 4 Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up.
5 Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Here is where the character of Christ shines forth so radiantly and here is where Lucifer and Christ had to part ways in heaven. Love suffers long only when it is selfless, for the flipside of longsuffering is a short temper. Christ suffered long with Lucifer, even as he went about spreading conspiracy theories, and lies in heaven.
God didn’t destroy him and his followers right away but instead, gave them time, space and room, so as to develop and make manifest, their principles, and methods. Even after Jesus cast them out of heaven, He gave them time, so that they could manifest to the universe what exactly was, and is in their hearts.
And to this day, God still continues to give them the opportunity to make manifest to all, whether their form of government is based on selfless love, and is productive of peace or goodwill, as the government of God is, or whether they are continually seeking their own personal benefit.
When studying the Character of Christ and the good news of His kingdom, this is what persons should be specifically searching for, the selflessness behind all the things God says and does. When the Scriptures are studied from this perspective the student always comes away with fresh glimpses of God’s goodness.
But when the character of Christ, and the principles and laws of the Bible are sought out, merely for the sake of finding faults, the student leaves the study with a paralysis of thought, which becomes more confused, as he struggles to make sense of sacred utterances. Let’s read:
2nd Timothy 3: 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Here on this forum, we approach the study of God’s word from the perspective that God is always right, and has never made a single mistake, and with this perspective there is no shortage of Bible studies, for every time the Bible is opened, fresh glimpses of the glory of God shine forth in steady rays.
Therefore, the selflessness and goodness of God will be the theme of our study, as we observe examples of how peace and good will toward men were enacted in our behalf; and by extension, should be adopted as modes of thought and action, in all persons who desire to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
For example, when Christ first came to this earth in His incarnate state, He did not seek out the fanfare, and the red-carpet treatment that earthly royalties and dignitaries so often yearn for. God didn’t send His angels first to the nobility and clergy of the day, nor did He make the grand announcement to those were served in the upper echelons of government.
Instead, the grand revelation was made to humble shepherds, out on the open plains, at night, when most people should be sleeping. In fact, it seems as if the shepherds in Christ’s day stood at the bottom of the social totem pole, because it seems as if their testimony could not be admitted as evidence in the courts of the land.
Instead of the angels attending Him with a fleet of shiny black Cadillacs with tinted windows, and with secret service personnel with dark shades and guns at their waist; Christ was headed to a manger where a fleet of humble farm animals awaited Him. That is a manifestation of the selflessness Paul refers to in Corinthians.
When Paul says that selfless love “Vaunts not itself” he is referring to the tendency of desiring to be seen and admired by persons. Wherever this is the case, the peace and good will Jesus came to give would become evasive.
In reality, Jesus would eventually be seen and heard by everyone, but His driving motive was to save and heal not to lift up Himself in pride as is the case with someone else we know too well. When Jesus said: If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me, it was and is to save us from ourselves, not merely for His own benefit or aggrandizement.
In our day currently, we have persons in the public square who only speak of themselves. Everything is made to revolve around self, and everyone else who might not agree with their agenda is viewed as their mortal enemy.
When the tenor of one’s speech is centered around self, it is a manifestation of satanic presence, for this is who he is at his very core. All the blame for what took place in heaven against God’s kingdom, Lucifer charged upon God, Christ, and the holy angels, but he himself was portrayed as being the victim who suffered wrongfully. Let’s read:
Patriarchs & Prophets pp 40>41] Rejecting with disdain the arguments and entreaties of the loyal angels, he denounced them as deluded slaves. The preference shown to Christ he declared as an act of injustice both to himself and to all the heavenly host. And he announced that he would no longer submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs.
He determined to claim the honor which should have been given him, and take command of all who would become his followers; and he promised those who would enter his ranks a new and better form of government, under which all would enjoy freedom.
Sounds familiar? If it does, then we may know for sure that peace and good will is something we will have to work really hard for. But Jesus on the other hand would only use ways and means that selfless love can employ. He pleaded with Lucifer and those who were withering under his influence, to change course.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 39] In great mercy, according to His divine character, God bore long with Lucifer.
[Desire of Ages pp 759] God could have destroyed Satan and his sympathizers as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this. Compelling power is found only under Satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God's government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.
God’s hand of mercy was stretched forth to save any and all who would be willing, and therefore, the use of force as a last resort, was an effort to protect the angels who chose to serve God willingly.
If in a certain household, one child keeps bringing home drugs like fentanyl and other opioids, trying to get the other kids to indulge, then the parents will have to act sooner or later, lest all of the kids end up as drug addicts. So, let’s reiterate our first point:
The foundational principle of peace and good will is love, not the kind that seeks one’s own benefit, but rather seeks the good and wellbeing of others first.
In practical ways, this godly principle could only be truly manifested when Christ is in the heart, for the principle itself is foreign to fallen human nature. In situations where a choice has to be made between personal benefit, and the benefit of others, the one who is in Christ will defer to the other without any grudges or bad feelings.
In the Bible there was a man who once interrupted Jesus’ sermon with a request that Christ should use His influence to speak to the man’s brother who had apparently defrauded him of some real estate.
And in our day, there are sibling rivalries and a host of bad feelings that have erupted over perishables. God is not really interested in Christmas trees, and many lights, and cakes, and pastries and rum. What He is looking for is the replication of His character in those who name themselves as disciples of Christ.
When faced with wrongs done to oneself, instead of taking the low road of fighting like hell for our rights we would do well to observe what Christ did, when He was tempted in the wilderness.
In that episode, satan bluntly offered to give Christ what was naturally, and rightfully Christ’s own; this, in exchange for bowing down. Imagine the boldness and contempt involved in offering Christ’s own real estate to Him.
Again, when Herod slew the children in Bethlehem, God directed Joseph and Mary, not to fight for their rights, but to run for their lives, by taking refuge in Egypt. God could have asserted His royal right, and sent a battalion of angels to take care of Herod, but He chose not to do this, even as He had the capacity to do so.
It’s funny, for the place where Christ was born, and the plains over which the angels sang: “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men, is now mired in strife and bloodshed. Unless a determined, well-directed effort is made to deal in the heavenly currency, peace and good will would continue to be evasive.
In other words, there is never going to be peace and good will in the Middle East, or between Russia and Ukraine, or in Sudan, or on the streets of our cities, or on our highways and byways, or even in congress where impeachment looms again, if tit for tat laws and principles are adopted as the order of the day. Let’s read:
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.
This leads us to our second principle:
[2] In seeking peace and good will, the use of tit for tat principles must be rejected, and instead, persons will have to deal in the currency of heaven, which at its core repays one’s enemies with genuine kindness and respect that is due to all persons. Let’s read:
1st Peter 2: 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for
your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him who judges righteously.
In the life of Christ, we can all clearly see examples of the use of the heavenly currency, in not using tit for tat principles, when dealing with offences. When the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to Jesus for redress, those who brought her referred to tit for tat laws, that were written down by Moses.
Jesus at that time took the high road of grace, and mercy and demonstrated that it is better and always productive of greater good not to repay wrongs with strict justice every time, for wherever you fight fire with fire, you always get more fire. Ask any fireman and they will confirm what we are saying.
Fighting fire with fire is tearing this country apart, and we have not yet seen where it will all lead to, since it takes time for the fruits thereof to become manifest. When Jesus was spat upon, He again took the high road; when the back-stabber Judas kissed Him he replied, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”
Jesus did not call for battalions of angels against His betrayer, He didn’t utter imprecations against those who were mocking or reviling Him on the cross, and instead of seeking retribution, He instead uttered a word of mercy by saying “Father forgive them”.
The you and me in the here and now would need to have a serious talk with God about the ways and the means adopted, when we are treated badly for no apparent reason by others. Some of us will have to start at home, by forgiving our spouses, others will need to forgive children, and vice-versa, and others will need to forgive in-laws and outlaws.
But if we determine to squeeze strict justice out of the offender, if we determine to repay one bad drive with another bad drive, and if we determine to sue the daylights out of those who have done us wrong, then we will never see peace, and good will, for as was stated before, when you fight fire with fire, all you get is more fire.
Many years ago, I decided to take to court someone who had done me wrong, and who was later caught by the cops, and arrested. With glee, I had looked forward to the day of retribution, when the offender would have to pay a high price for his wrongs.
But as I sat in court, waiting for the trial to begin, I heard a still small voice speaking in my conscience, saying, if the tables were turned, wouldn’t you have liked to be shown mercy? As I pondered the thought it occurred to me that I was taking the low road, by employing tit for tat laws, which are contrary to the peace and good will of God’s kingdom.
Therefore, when I was approached by those who had charge of the trial, and asked if I really wanted to proceed, I said no, because the voice of God had clearly spoken, and as His disciple, we should seek the high road of peace and good will. The offender was indeed grateful for the unexpected break, and that was the end of the matter.
Hear now the word of the Lord. Tit for tat laws are just, but they are not merciful, and if we desire the peace and good will the Bible speaks of, then we’ll need to reconsider and decide upon a different way of resolving grievances and wrongs, when done to ourselves, in harmony with what Jesus would do when in similar situations. Let’s read:
Romans 12: 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1st Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another.
This leads us to our third and final characteristic and principle that will go a mighty long way in fostering peace and good will toward men. It is taken directly from the word of God:
[3] “Is not easily provoked”
Many of us as Christians do have short tempers. We may be loving and kind in many other respects, and we may have mercy and honesty as strong points in our characters, but with many of us, we blow a fuse too quickly, and as such, in too many instances, we are too “Easily provoked”.
The tendency to take things personally would often set the stage for us to be discombobulated in spirit. Especially is this the case when we refuse to give a person the benefit of the doubt as to their intention and purposes.
One of the highlights of the passages found in 1st Corinthians 13 is that selfless love “Believeth all things” meaning that the intentions and purposes of others are always to be interpreted in the best light, until there may be something else to the contrary.
No, the old lady with the Ford Escort did not really mean to give you a bad drive; she was struggling with her glasses, to try and see the road properly in the rain and her reflexes were not as sharp as when she was younger.
No, your spouse did not really mean to spend that much on groceries and gifts for the holidays. In the heat of the moment, he, or she was overcome by impulse buying, and it was out of the goodness of their hearts that they went overboard, in trying to make others happy. Believe you me, they had originally intended to stay within the budget.
No, the person did not mean to disregard, or evade your call. They were actually on the other line with an emergency call from their doctor, who had given them some bad news about a diagnosis of cancer, and because of the grave nature of the conversation they had really forgotten to call back.
It all has to do with giving persons the benefit of the doubt, and not becoming riled up or easily provoked if, and when things do not go according to script. In our interaction with other folks, and in our efforts to seek and cultivate peace and good will, there would be instances when we might have to bite the bullet, and let things slide, leaving the situation with God.
In other situations, if persons speak or approach us in derogatory or intimidating ways, instead of going the route of self-preservation, we will have to keep our cool, and maintain a Christlike demeanor, even in argumentative situations.
Sorry to say it, but some Christian spouses have the habit of arguing with one another, and in some cases, some are always on edge so that the least ruffling of their feathers, triggers a flurry of un-Christlike words and actions. This is what the Bible has to say in such situations. Let’s read:
Ephesians 4: 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
27 Neither give place to the devil.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
[Testimonies Vol. 5 pp 168] Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the most favorable construction upon the motives and acts of others. Love will never needlessly expose the faults of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but rather seeks to bring to mind some good qualities of the one defamed.
[Testimonies Vol. 5 pp 168] Love not only bears with others’ faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever suffering or inconvenience such forbearance makes necessary. This love “never fails.” It can never lose its value; it is the attribute of heaven. As a precious treasure it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.
In closing, we are all aware of the grave turmoil that is gripping the nations, the forever wars and rumors of wars, and the utter intransigence of political foes and “Frenemies” and in many Christian households it is a fact that peace and good seems to be elusive.
Yet, God has called us to peace and good will for it is and was His stated purpose as the angelic choir sang their songs over the plains of Judea. Let us then be willing and ready, so that the presence and power of God may work within us, transforming us, recreating and molding us into the character of Christ.
Enjoy the holidays, have great food with family and friends, and exchange gifts as you would, but always remember this one thing, the kingdom of God is not about bling and things, it’s about righteousness and peace, and joy in The Holy Ghost. Therefore, we will end our discourse with a word of Scripture that will help us to cultivate, and promote peace and good will. Let’s read:
James 3: 14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
God Bless!