I call it the Gaza Agreement, the first phase of the peace deal between Israel and Hamas. My first thought was, ‘It won’t hold.‘ Too much history. Too much pain. Too many broken promises.
But Romans 12:18 (NIV) tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The verse doesn’t guarantee peace. It doesn’t pretend it’s easy. It simply calls us to try. To do our part. To live as peacemakers, even when peace feels impossible. Peace isn’t a moment; it’s a process. It takes work. There’s no magic wand. It takes work and, in my opinion, faith in God’s grace.
For me, my hope doesn’t rest solely on human effort. It’s important, but Jesus said in Matthew, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Notice how Jesus prefaced His words: “With man this is impossible.“ All it means is that what seems impossible for humans is entirely possible with God.
That’s the anchor of my hope, not just for myself for this, but for the world. Even in the Middle East, where generations have known only division, peace is possible. Not because humans are perfect, but because God is faithful.
I know others walk different paths. Some find strength in other traditions, philosophies, or simply in their humanity. It doesn’t mean I believe they can’t help because they, too, can be among the peacemakers. Of course, my prayer is that one day, they’ll see the light of God’s love and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Peace is possible, not because humans are perfect on their own, but because God is faithful and helps us strive for perfection. But that also means peace can fail. Not because of God. But because of us.