A common Sunday morning practice in churches is to turn to the person next to you and wish them “peace.” In the more liturgical churches, the practice is visible in the regular flow of worship when the pastor extends an intentional moment for everyone to turn to their neighbor to bid them the “peace of the Lord.” Other churches convey the same sentiment in a different way. In the nondenominational church my family is a part of, the worship leader pauses and invites congregants to turn and “greet their neighbor.” Even a simple “how are you” conveys a sense of peace, traversing the communication barrier and extending a bridge of warmth and acceptance to those around us. Peace is one of the foremost Christian virtues. It follows Christian love and joy in the Galatians 5:22-23 fruits of the Spirit list.

One of the foremost biblical exemplars of peace in the Hebrew Scriptures was the Israelite leader Deborah. During the period of the Israelite Judges, Deborah spoke powerfully into the lives of God’s people. As a judge, she was revered as the national leader of Israel. She demonstrated decisive wit and fortitude, directing and empowering her people against oppressive enemies. She was equally well-known for her ability to bring reconciliation among the nation’s disparate tribes. In the Book of Judges, we read how from far across the land "the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided" (Judges 4:5, NIV). She settled disagreements considered too challenging for the local magistrates, and her rulings in such matters were fair and wise. Deborah was a peacemaker.

The combination of her commanding leadership and ability to peacefully resolve disputes was unrivaled among Israel’s leaders. Inspirational leaders often cut against the grain. Deborah did not fit the typical profile of the Israelite ruler, not only because she was a woman, but because in her character, she embodied a unique blend of valor in battle with the ability to negotiate peace on the home front. At the conclusion of Judges 5, we learn that the culmination of her efforts was peace: "Then the land had peace for forty years" (Judges 5:31). Her leadership resounded throughout ancient Israel and echoes across God’s kingdom today as an example of leading by building bridges of peace.

Jesus said:

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Our identity as sons and daughters of God is wrapped up in the willingness of heart to pursue peace whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Lord, help me to extend a gracious and peaceful hand to those I see in need around me today. Help me be a peacemaker, showing others Your neighborly love whenever I have the chance.

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Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.