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N15. Pursuing Peace with Our Neighbor.    [Make a Comment]

We are to pursue peace with our neighbor.

This precept is derived from His Word (blessed be He):

Key Scriptures

Psalms 122:6
Pray for shalom in Yerushalayim; may those who love you prosper.

Matthew 5:9
How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 10:12-13
When you enter someone's household, say, 'Shalom aleikhem!' If the home deserves it, let your shalom rest on it; if not, let your shalom return to you.

Romans 12:18
If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people.

Romans 14:9
So then, let us pursue the things that make for shalom and mutual upbuilding.

Hebrews 12:14
Keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 3:10-11
For whoever wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, turn from evil and do good, seek peace and chase after it.

Supportive Scriptures

Psalms 34:13(12)-15(14)
Which of you takes pleasure in living? Who wants a long life to see good things? [If you do,] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceiving talk; turn from evil, and do good; seek peace, go after it!

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.

Commentary

The Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom," and the Greek word is "ireinei." Ireinei connotes harmony and tranquility, while shalom includes that, but also connotes completeness and soundness. Neither of the words is limited to the absence of turmoil and strife. "Peace" is an attribute of God with which He desires to bless us, for we read in Philippians 4:7:

Then God's shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

God created us in His image and, as with so many of God's attributes, He desires that, over time, we develop to become more like Him. A first step in emulating God in His attribute of peace is to acquire it from Him. The next step is to live in peace with our neighbor, and the ultimate step is to actively pursue peace and become a peacemaker. Considering the expanded definition of "peace" in the Hebrew and Greek, being a peacemaker is more than mediating conflicts (although it is a part). Being a peacemaker, from a Biblical perspective, involves caring for our neighbor in such a way as to enhance his completeness, his tranquility, and his safety.

Classical Commentators

This Mitzvah is not addressed by any of the classical commentators.

NCLA: JMm JFm KMm KFm GMm GFm

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