“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” (Eph 2:14)

In Isaiah 9:6-7, the Lord Jesus came as “the Prince of Peace” who gave the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace between God and humanity. Not only has the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ given us a new life, it also brings reconciliation between the Jews and Gentiles. The dividing wall of hostility that has separated Gentiles from Jews for centuries was the law of commandments and ordinances. The broken body of the Lord through the cross reconciled all men, including both Jews and Gentiles, to God.

Jesus said, “have peace with one another” (Mark 9:50). Later, He prayed that we may be one in order that the world would believe (John 17:21). Life has many walls which divide and separate people. There are many barriers that can divide us from other fellow believers: age, appearance, intelligence, political stance, economic status, race, and theological perspective. Remember that Christ has knocked down the barriers and united all believers in one family. The gap between people needs to be filled with love from God. A person who knows and loves God must have God’s love in his heart. He can realize that the essence of love is harmony. The heart of tolerance, belief, hope, and patience should be used to tear down that partition wall.

Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). The chief quality of a peacemaker is reconciliation which means forbearance instead of retaliation, forgiveness of wrongs, and restoration of fellowship. Jesus blesses us to be meek and to be peacemakers. In Christ we can be patient, tolerant, and even long-suffering. In Christ we can adopt ways and words that promote harmony and reconciliation. God provides His Holy Spirit to enable us to live a new life of His way. Through His Word and sacraments, He gives us the strength and the endurance we need to put these biblical values into practice. The motivation, the courage, and the perseverance can be ours because of the new life we have in Christ Jesus.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

Holiness is coupled with peace – staying out of quarrels. Jesus has broken down the wall of hostility. We are one in Christ, therefore we shouldn’t let any barriers divide us.