Being a Vessel of Peace

By Jeffrey Hizon

Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” What is a vessel? A vessel transports different things to various places. To be a vessel of peace, you need to understand your identity as carriers of God’s kingdom. What is our identity in God? We are His children because we obeyed Him. Our life in God and sin cannot live together. But because Jesus died for our sins, we were given the opportunity to be God’s children. If you are a child of God, what is your identity as a carrier of His kingdom? Since we are created in God’s image and likeness, we carry that as we walk this world while shining His light to everyone. We do the same to our children. The Lord loves us so much that He wants to mold us into His image and likeness. But why are we offended? What is inside your vessel?

A vessel is defined by what it carries. Peace is not a feeling that you muster but a person. The Holy Spirit is what brings us peace.  As vessel, we host the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Since this is so, we also have to prepare our vessel. And offense breaks it.  John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The peace God left with us is nothing ordinary because it is His own. There are 2 kinds of peace: worldly eace and divine peace: one that comes from the world and one that comes from God. Which would you rather have?

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” Choosing self-control over anger is a mark of spiritual maturity and internal authority. Silence in the spirit is a gift from God. Can you imagine if our Savior did not have the strength of silence? He felt all the hurt. But He chose to stay silent. He proved to us that physically, we can do it. But spiritually, we cannot do it on our own. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of an anchor. Even when the world mocks or threatens, the vessel remains secure and immovable if it is anchored in Jesus. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Instead of focusing on the offense, focus on what God is trying to teach you. If you anchor your faith in Jesus, your vessel will have an immovable stance.

Take ownership of your actions. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” There are things that are in our control and there are things that are out of our control. Choose your battles and respond responsibly. If you know your identity in Christ, no matter what anybody says, you will not be offended.

You need to take care of your heart. Guard your mind. Stay focused on your true identity in Christ. You need to protect your fellowship and relationship of the family from the pressures of the world. The ministry of the peacemaker is to bring healing and restorative grace in a broken relationship.

This does not happen overnight. Sanctification is a lifelong process. Becoming a vessel of peace is a process. It’s not easy. And you will never become a perfect vessel. But if you allow the Holy Spirit to work with you, God’s perfect peace will shine through you.