Peacemaking – Peacemaking Begins with Christ (365/252)
We have spent this week thinking about what it means to pursue peace. But how do we find the strength to live this way when peace is costly? Where does it begin?
“For He Himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)
Peacemaking can easily become another set of techniques: listen carefully, speak gently, compromise, avoid escalation. These things matter, but they do not transform the heart.
Our Lord Jesus didn't simply teach us about peace. Through the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility and reconciled us to God. The peace we are called to extend to others is first a peace we have received ourselves. And so as His followers we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us (Colossians 3:12-13), because we recognise how much we ourselves have been forgiven and loved. Paul urges us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15) - so that His peace, not pride, anger, or fear, guides our responses.
As Christians therefore, peace is more than the absence of conflict; it begins with peace with God and transforms how we live with one another. As this week ends, may our prayer be not merely, “Lord, help me handle conflict better,” but “Lord Jesus, let Your peace rule my heart.”
Pause and Ponder
What rules my heart in conflict - pride, fear, anger or Christ’s peace?
How does Christ’s reconciliation of me shape my response to others?
What conflict do I need to surrender to Christ today?
We don't make peace by our own strength; we become peacemakers when the Prince of Peace rules our hearts.
Lord Jesus, You are my peace. Rule my heart when conflict arises. Form in me Your compassion, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Amen.
Extended Reading: Colossians 3
As we conclude this week, may we, as followers of Jesus, allow His peace to rule our hearts and shape the way we live with one another.
Comments