The Gospel’s Meaning When Peace Is Missing

 

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What Is the Definition of Gospel When They Can’t Maintain Peace Within Themselves

The word Gospel is one of the most powerful terms in the Christian faith. It means “good news.” It is the announcement of salvation through Jesus Christ and the reconciliation of man back to God. The Gospel carries with it the message of peace, hope, and eternal life. Yet, a puzzling question arises when we look at many churches and Christian communities today: if the Gospel is truly good news of peace, why do many who claim it struggle to maintain peace within themselves and within the Church of God?

This blog post seeks to address this critical question. What does the Gospel truly mean, and why is it that in the very place where peace should reign—the house of God—conflicts, divisions, and unrest often exist? Let us go deep into the heart of the matter, uncovering the scriptural truths that remind us of the Gospel’s definition and the divine expectation of peace in the life of every believer.

The True Definition of the Gospel

The Gospel is not merely a message but the power of God to save all who believe. It is the proclamation of Jesus Christ— His life, death, resurrection, and the reconciliation He offers to humanity. Paul summarized it beautifully in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

At its core, the Gospel is about peace—peace with God, peace within oneself, and peace with others. When we embrace the Gospel, we accept that the hostility between man and God caused by sin has been removed through the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Gospel is not just good news about salvation in eternity; it is also good news about peace here and now.

Peace: The Evidence of the Gospel at Work

If the Gospel has truly taken root in a person’s heart, peace should be one of the first fruits evident in their life. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging reality of God’s presence.

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Christ promised His disciples peace—an inner calm that surpasses understanding. This is the same peace that should flow into the relationships within the church community. Yet, the reality often seems different. Churches sometimes become breeding grounds for strife, gossip, divisions, and pride. This contradiction brings us to the heart of the matter: Why can’t many maintain peace within themselves and within the Church of God?

Why Many Struggle to Maintain Peace in the Church

1. Lack of True Surrender to the Gospel

Many embrace the label of Christianity but not the life of it. They hear the Gospel but do not surrender fully to its transforming power. The Gospel calls for death to self—pride, selfish desires, and personal agendas. Without this surrender, believers remain carnal, bringing the world’s spirit of competition and strife into the church.

Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

True peace can only be maintained when Christ lives in us and we submit daily to His rule. Where there is no crucifixion of self, there will be no lasting peace.

2. Misunderstanding of the Gospel’s Message

Some see the Gospel merely as a ticket to heaven or as a message about material prosperity. But the Gospel is far deeper—it is reconciliation and peace. When its true meaning is misunderstood, believers may focus more on outward blessings than on the inward fruit of peace, love, and unity. This leads to frustration, envy, and division when expectations are not met.

3. The Enemy’s Strategy of Division

Satan knows the power of unity in the body of Christ. That is why he fights the hardest within the church walls. Where the Gospel should flourish, the enemy sows seeds of discord through offenses, suspicions, and false teachings. If believers are not watchful, they allow these seeds to grow, choking out peace and fellowship.

John 10:10 – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

The enemy’s goal is clear: to rob the church of the abundant life of peace Christ has promised. Sadly, when Christians are ignorant of his devices, they become his instruments without even knowing it.

4. Pride and Ego Among Believers

Pride is one of the greatest enemies of peace in the church. When individuals seek recognition, positions, or power, they lose sight of the servant-heart that the Gospel teaches. The result is competition, rivalry, and conflict. Yet, the Gospel calls us to humility and service.

Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Peace can never be maintained where pride rules. Only humility and selflessness create the atmosphere for unity and love.

5. Failure to Walk in the Spirit

The Gospel births in us a new life by the Spirit. But when believers refuse to walk in the Spirit, they revert to fleshly living, which naturally produces strife, envy, anger, and division. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, is peace, love, and gentleness.

Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Where the Spirit is truly at work, peace will be evident. But when the flesh dominates, quarrels and unrest take over the church community.

The Contradiction: A Gospel of Peace in an Atmosphere of Strife

It is a contradiction to preach a Gospel of peace while living in constant conflict. The world watches the church, expecting to see the evidence of the Gospel lived out. When instead they see division and hostility, the message of the Gospel loses credibility. This is why Jesus prayed earnestly for the unity of His disciples.

John 17:21 – “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Unity and peace in the church are not optional; they are essential for the world to believe in the truth of the Gospel. Without peace among believers, the Gospel’s definition becomes empty words instead of living testimony.

Steps Toward Restoring Peace in the Church

1. Return to the Cross

The cross is the place where all pride, ego, and selfishness die. When believers focus again on the sacrifice of Christ, they remember the price of their salvation and learn to humble themselves before God and each other. The cross is the foundation of true peace.

2. Embrace the True Message of the Gospel

Preaching and teaching must return to the true meaning of the Gospel: reconciliation with God, transformation of life, and the call to peace and holiness. When believers see the Gospel as more than blessings, they begin to live out its fruits of peace and unity.

3. Walk Daily in the Spirit

Believers must learn to submit to the Spirit’s leading daily. Through prayer, study of the Word, and obedience, they allow the Spirit to produce peace within them. A Spirit-filled church will always be a peaceful church.

4. Practice Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Offenses will come, but the Gospel teaches forgiveness. When members of the church learn to forgive quickly and reconcile sincerely, peace is restored, and the enemy is defeated.

Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

5. Leadership by Example

Church leaders must model peace, humility, and love. If leaders walk in pride, competition, and strife, the congregation will follow. But if leaders embody the Gospel of peace, the atmosphere of the church will change.

Conclusion: Living the Gospel of Peace

The definition of the Gospel cannot be separated from peace. The good news of Jesus Christ is that He has brought peace between man and God, and that peace must extend into our hearts and our relationships. If we cannot maintain peace within ourselves and within the Church of God, we have missed the essence of the Gospel.

The church is called to be a place of peace, love, and unity. It is the reflection of heaven on earth. When believers walk in strife, they contradict the message they preach. But when they embrace the Gospel in truth— surrendering to Christ, walking in the Spirit, and living in humility— peace becomes the natural atmosphere of the church.

The world is waiting to see the reality of the Gospel lived out in the church. Let us, therefore, strive to maintain peace within ourselves and within the body of Christ. Only then will the Gospel be fully defined and demonstrated in its power and glory.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)