1244) 1 Thessalonians 5:13 tells us in our English Bibles to “live in peace” but the Greek word for peace here: eiréneuó instructs us to cultivate peace. Let’s think about that.

If you’re cultivating soil, you are preparing it to produce the best fruit. You spend time working the soil, adding in nutrients that are needed. If you skip this step, then it’s really like you’re ok with the chance something doesn’t grow.

If we are to cultivate peace, then we are accepting, by faith, that we do for the Lord will bear fruit. For example, choosing to be peaceful in times of division will make a positive impression. Rarely will you ever convince someone else to adopt your point of view by arguing. Using peace, however, sets the scene with a calm presence. This is the time when you will catch another’s attention.

Cultivating peace is more productive than being forcefully right.