What Does Jesus Teach about Peace? A thought from 'Tupeane Amani'
Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). St. Paul reminds us that Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14). When he walked this earth, Jesus blessed the peacemakers, telling them they are so close to God that they can be called His children (Matt. 5:9). At the Last Supper, he left his disciples the precious gift of peace. When he rose from the dead, his very first words to them were: “Peace be with you.”
This is the peace we long for when we sing: “Tupeane amani, amani ya kweli.” Let us give each other true peace.
But peace is not always simple. Jesus also said, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). What does this mean? It does not mean Jesus delights in violence. Rather, it means that real peace requires truth, justice, and courage. When we choose Christ, we may face division—even within families or communities. True peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s order, God’s justice, and God’s love.
So, what kind of peace do we seek and share?
Inner Peace – This is the calm of the heart that comes from knowing God. It is freedom from fear, guilt, and despair. It is the peace Jesus promised when he said: “My peace I give you, not as the world gives” (John 14:27)
Peace in the Community – Peace is harmony with family, friends, and neighbors. It is friendship that Scripture calls a treasure beyond price (Sir. 6:14-17). When we forgive, when we reconcile, when we listen and support one another, we live this peace.
Peace with God – This is the foundation. By grace, we are reconciled with our Creator. No matter how restless our world may be, when we are right with God, our souls rest secure.
Peace in Society – A community is at peace when there is order, justice, and respect for human dignity. True peace is not simply the silence of guns; it is when people’s rights are honored, when the poor are cared for, and when truth is not silenced.
The Fullness of Peace – One day, Christ will bring the Kingdom in its fullness. Then, as Isaiah prophesied, swords will become plowshares, spears pruning hooks (Is. 2:4). That eternal peace, when the lion and the lamb rest together, is the destiny we await with hope.
As we reflect on this, we realize: peace is both a gift and a task. Christ gives us peace, but he also calls us to build it—in our hearts, in our families, in our communities, and in our world. To give peace is to forgive, to reconcile, to care, to respect, to love.
So, when we sing “Tupeane amani,” it is not just a song, it is a prayer, a calling, and a mission. Let us give peace, because Jesus gave us his peace. Let us live peace, because without it, there is no joy. And let us trust that the God of peace will complete His work in us, until the day we share in the eternal peace of His Kingdom.
