The Gospel of peace has utmost significance considering today’s violent situations in individual lives, family, society and politics. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of peace. That is why we are taught that, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12: 18). Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount goes thus, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5: 9). Peace is the mental stature of being joyful even amidst adverse circumstances. Be at peace with one another (1 Thess. 5: 13), if possible live at peace with everyone (Romans 12: 18). In the Old Testament the term that is used for peace is the Hebrew word ‘Shalom’. The other meanings of this word include, comfort, wholeness and well- being. The word shalom is used while praying for the well –being of somebody else (Genesis 43: 27; Exodus 4: 18; Judges 19: 20) and also to signify reconciliation with another person (1 Kings 5: 12). In the same way peace also means being physically safe (Psalm 4: 8). Peace is the gift of God, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22). The reign of the Messiah, is the time of peace (Isaiah 2: 2,4; 11: 1-9; Haggai 2: 7-9). Be at peace, then the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor. 13: 11). God has called us to live in peace (1 Cor. 7: 15). Be at peace with one another (Mark 9: 50). The New Testament teaches us the above aspects.

1. David- a Model of Peace (1 Samuel 24: 1- 12)
The forbearance that David showed at the time of violence is a perfect example of peace. Saul became the enemy of David. We see in 1 Samuel 24: 1- 12 that Saul became trapped in David’s hands in a time when Saul went searching for David in order to kill him. But David forgives Saul. Peace occurs in us when we are able to see even the enemy with a forgiving mentality.

2. Jesus – a Model of Peace (Matt. 5: 38- 48)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you (John 14: 27). The ultimate form of God’s love is demonstrated through Jesus Christ (Romans 5: 8). We can say that Jesus taught us three kinds of love. First is the love for one another (John 13: 34, 35). This is the love within relationships- the love that is bestowed on one’s brother, friend, wife, husband and children. This can be called as human love. The second is the love that is given to people in need- the love that to be shared with people who are affected by accidents and also other dependents (Luke 10: 25- 37). This is ethical love. But what is the result of loving the people who loves us? What is the specialty of loving one’s own brother? (Luke 10: 25- 37)- asking these, Jesus introduces another kind of love in the Sermon on the Mount. That is the love towards enemy (Matt. 5: 38- 48). This is the love of God (Romans 5: 8). Only through this love can peace be brought during violence.

3. Apostolic Teaching- a Model of Peace (Romans 12: 14- 21)
In Romans 12: 21 we see the teaching that,“ as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. It is taught here to bless those who curse us, to live in unity with one another and to not repay evil for evil but to do good instead. This is walking the extra mile.