By Roy Pearson
Introduction
In a world often filled with division, noise, and unrest, the ancient Hebrew word Shalom offers a message our hearts long to hear. More than just “peace,” shalom speaks of wholeness, harmony, and the fullness of life that comes from living in right relationship with God, with one another, and within ourselves.
As a follower of Jesus, I’ve come to see that shalom is not just a beautiful word from Jewish tradition — it is also a divine calling, one that shapes how I live, love, and seek to follow Christ each day.
The Depth of Shalom
In Hebrew, shalom (שָׁלוֹם) comes from the root sh-l-m, meaning completeness, soundness, or fulfillment. To wish someone shalom is to bless them with life made whole — a life healed of its fractures and reconciled in every way.
Scripture paints this vision vividly. The prophets longed for a day when shalom would fill the earth — when justice and mercy would embrace, and every person would live in safety and dignity. Shalom is not the mere absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, truth, and compassion — the restoration of all things in God’s design.
Following Jesus, Living Shalom
For those of us who follow Jesus, shalom finds its fullest expression in Him. Jesus often greeted people with peace and offered a kind of peace that transcends fear and violence:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” — John 14:27
To live shalom as a disciple of Christ is to let His love flow through us — to be peacemakers who bring reconciliation where there is division, healing where there is pain, and understanding where there is misunderstanding.
It means:
- Seeking wholeness in our inner life, so that our actions reflect our faith.
- Practicing kindness and forgiveness, even when it’s difficult.
- Standing for justice and mercy, for peace without justice is not shalom.
- Living with gratitude and humility, trusting God to make all things whole.
Every act of compassion, every prayer for unity, and every choice to love in the face of anger is a small but sacred way of living shalom.
A Blessing of Peace
As I reflect on this, I am reminded of how beautifully the word shalom bridges our faith traditions — linking the ancient hope of Israel with the living peace of Christ. It calls us to be instruments of wholeness in a fragmented world.
And so, I close with the words of blessing from Hymn 666 in The United Methodist Hymnal — a hymn that captures the spirit of both shalom and discipleship:
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends.
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving,
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
The Curious Pilgrims 