Peace is more than a mere ceasefire. It begins where fear gives way, walls come tumbling down, and people start listening to one another again. Jesus Christ shows us what really matters.
“Peace and conflict are issues of concern around the world,” said Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler as he opened the divine service on Sunday, 13 September 2026, in Vienna (Austria). There is a great longing for genuine peace, not only for a ceasefire—but for peace in international relations, within the family, and in the congregation. “In fact, Actually, we know how to achieve it: by listening to the other person, taking the first step, and giving a little ground.” The reality, however, is different. People are failing to make it work.
Apostle Paul knew that too. And that is why he wrote in Ephesians 4: 1–3: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
His words are addressed to each and every one of us today as well. The word “beseech” is to be understood in the sense of asking, comforting, and encouraging. And to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” simply means continuing along the path we have embarked on as Christians.
Christ, the wall breaker
“In the temple in Jerusalem, there was a knee-high wall separating two specific areas, and there were signs there,” explained the Chief Apostle. “They read: ‘Whoever crosses this barrier shall be put to death.’” This is how people were separated from God and from one another. “Into the midst of this reality in Jerusalem—into this exclusion, into the building of walls—Paul says in chapter two: ‘For He is our peace.’”
“He” is Jesus Christ. He broke down the wall by removing the division between humankind and God, as well as between people. This had already been proclaimed to the shepherds in the field: “Peace on earth.” And in every divine service, we hear the words: “The peace of the Risen One be with you!”
The root of discord
“Peace is here. Peace has been made. Peace is not a utopia.” And yet, there is still much discord. But this is likely driven by fear, the Chief Apostle said.
- “There are those who constantly boast about themselves and seek the limelight, completely disregarding the needs of everyone else.” – The fear of not being loved.
- “There are those who fly off the handle at the slightest criticism, who are quick to pick a fight, and who turn every situation into a confrontation.” – The fear of being overlooked.
- “There are those who let others down and promise loyalty only for a time.” – The fear that there is no hope left.
Into this fear comes Jesus Christ, who is love. His perfect love drives out all fear.
The face of peace
Humility, gentleness, and patience are not commands, but the very face of Jesus’ peace.
Humility. Jesus “becomes small, becomes a human being”. He humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross and washed the disciples’ feet. His behaviour makes it clear: “I love you.”
Gentleness. Jesus had all power, yet in Gethsemane He told Peter to put his sword away. In doing so, He showed: “You do not need to assert yourself. I will stand up for you.”
Patience. After His resurrection, Jesus did not reproach Peter for denying Him, but asked, “Do you love Me?” emphasising: “I will not give up on you.”
Where this love is experienced, fear dissolves. Wherever fear dissolves, the struggle ceases, and then humility (‘I value you more highly than myself and look out for your interests’), gentleness (‘I see you, listen to you, and let you have the last word’), and patience (‘I will stay with you’) grow. “Jesus Christ is the recipe for peace.”
The end of fear
Each of these fears will come to an end once and for all:
- When Jesus Christ returns and takes His bridal congregation to Himself, the fear of not being loved will disappear.
- When the kingdom of peace comes, Jesus Christ will ensure justice for all people and proclaim the gospel to everyone. Then the fear of being overlooked will disappear.
- When God wipes away every tear in the new creation and lasting peace reigns, the fear that there is no longer any hope will vanish.
The Chief Apostle concluded his sermon with the words of Apostle Paul: “I would like to encourage all of us to just continue walking with the Lord on the path we set out on long ago, for it is with Him that we find peace.”
Photo: NAK Österreich
