Better Chaplain Series - Make Peace

War begets war. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Fighting is caused by passions at war, desiring but not having, coveting and not obtaining, predicated by lack of communication and lack of love (James 4:1-4).

Jesus did not bless the peace-keepers, he blessed the peace-makers, those who step into volatile situations to heal relationships, align priorities, and mediate disagreements. The ultimate peacemaker made peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20).

Chaplain, people like being angry, they like being vindicated, they like playing the victim, but none of these bring real peace, abundant life, or eternal joy, and you must confront them to make real peace. You will be persecuted and maligned for this peacemaking, but that is why it is blessed. Your greatest example said he would leave us peace, not as the world gives it, for in this world you will have tribulation (John 14:27, 16:33).

The world uses the word peace without understanding anything of its power. Peace in the world means an end of hostility, peace in the Bible means complete reconciliation, unity, love, singularity of purpose, honor, and a plethora of other things. No wonder at the end of time there will be a false peace that will devolve into all out war (1 Thessalonians 5:3). How can you make peace between–and with–those you minister to?

Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our souls for trial. Let us neither be dogs that do not bark nor silent onlookers, nor paid servants who run away before the wolf. Instead, where the battle rages, let us find ourselves. Run towards the roar of the lion! Run towards the roar of battle! That is where Christ’s most glorious victories shall be won. – Boniface

Key Verse: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ~ Matthew 5:9

More:

1. I am shocked by how many conflicted people I counsel who believe themselves and their opponent to be Christians. In this case I press towards the unity of Heaven; if they are both Christians, will they reconcile in Heaven (or the New Earth)? The answer is invariably yes, we’re not going to split Heaven down the middle with tape to keep them apart. If there is a reconciliation coming someday, then why not now? Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity (Psalm 133:1)?

2. Paul wrote to entreat two women at Philippi to get along; he further asked those reading his letter to help them get along (Philippians 4:2-3). This is not just a chaplains job, this belongs to the church. How can you make your church or chapel a community of peacemakers?

3. The world doesn’t usually utilize chaplains to broker peace during war, but consider how you would respond if you found yourself standing between two leaders of warring nations? Real or imagined, past or present, how could you “as much as possible, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18) and “strive for peace with all” (Hebrews 12:14)?

4. Chaplain Tom Solhjem found himself face to face with Iraqi soldiers and machine guns in Iraq. The temptation was to run for cover and let the Army neutralize the threat, but Solhjem and his faithful chaplain assistant called out to the enemy for someone who spoke English, formed a quick bond with the Major who approached him, and negotiated the surrender of 80 Iraqi soldiers who would have surely died had he not taken the risk to make peace. Put yourself in his shoes and consider how you would react. Could you, like the Apostle Paul, be willing to give up your life or salvation so that others could be saved (Romans 9:3)?

5. Further Resources:

Brinsfield, John. Encouraging Faith, Supporting Soldiers: The United States Army Chaplaincy 1975-1995, Part 1, 140-142. Washington: Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Department of the Army, 1997.

Jones, Robert D. Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Handling Our Conflicts. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2020.

Adams, Jay E. How to Help People in Conflict: Becoming a Biblical Peacemaker. Lancaster, PA: Institute for Nouthetic Studies, 2020.