Human Response 761: Do Good and Seek Peace

Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

This admonition is given to a person who desires life. He will find life and see good when he avoids evil, does good, and seeks peace. Life is always better, and goodness comes, when we listen to the Law and keep the Commandments. The Law contains God’s created design for a good and prosperous life. This is what a happy life looks like: “Thou shalt not…etc.” “Love God and love your neighbor.” Keeping the commandments and their meanings defines a good life, and makes it happen.

However, we fail, so we daily repent and believe the Gospel, which forgives and restores. We respond to life’s sinful condition by faith in Jesus, by seeking Him who is our Peace. “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We look for Peace in every situation and trust Jesus to make it work out. Then Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peace with God, peace among others, and peace in ourselves becomes the believer’s goal and primary concern. We pursue peace until we find it. And we find it in Christ.