His Peace
by Denise Scheig
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
In this message to the Corinthians, Paul urged his fellow believers to rejoice and come together in unity and live in peace! How timely a message for all Christians today as we live in a world that is so deeply divided and driven by selfish desires. Sadly, we may even see, hear, and experience the lack of harmony, unity, and peace inside the walls of our churches! Paul’s message sounds simple, but oh how difficult it can be for each of us at times to live out our faith in communion and at peace with each other.
So how do we, as members of God’s church, come together in harmony, unity, and peace? Thankfully by His infinite grace and mercy, God provided a living example through His precious son, Jesus. I have learned that only by dwelling in His presence, reading His word, and surrendering my will and my desires to Christ, that I can experience true peace! Then, and only then, am I able to learn how to follow Jesus’ example to “strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up” (Romans 14:19).
Amid the busyness and uncertainties of our daily lives, and the added frenzy of the holiday season, it may be even more challenging to experience and extend God’s peace. I pray that this Christmas, each of us will take time to be with God and experience the peace that only He can give. Then go and share that peace with those around us! As I reflect upon living in unity and peace, I am reminded of the words of a song I sang as a child, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
In this message to the Corinthians, Paul urged his fellow believers to rejoice and come together in unity and live in peace! How timely a message for all Christians today as we live in a world that is so deeply divided and driven by selfish desires. Sadly, we may even see, hear, and experience the lack of harmony, unity, and peace inside the walls of our churches! Paul’s message sounds simple, but oh how difficult it can be for each of us at times to live out our faith in communion and at peace with each other.
So how do we, as members of God’s church, come together in harmony, unity, and peace? Thankfully by His infinite grace and mercy, God provided a living example through His precious son, Jesus. I have learned that only by dwelling in His presence, reading His word, and surrendering my will and my desires to Christ, that I can experience true peace! Then, and only then, am I able to learn how to follow Jesus’ example to “strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up” (Romans 14:19).
Amid the busyness and uncertainties of our daily lives, and the added frenzy of the holiday season, it may be even more challenging to experience and extend God’s peace. I pray that this Christmas, each of us will take time to be with God and experience the peace that only He can give. Then go and share that peace with those around us! As I reflect upon living in unity and peace, I am reminded of the words of a song I sang as a child, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for the gift of Your precious son Jesus, the Prince of Peace! May we draw closer to Him and Your word each day so we can dwell in the peace that surpasses all understanding. As followers of Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, please help us to be instruments of Your Peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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