Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:2

 

“Peace I leave with you.” I can’t think of anything more comforting and calming than these words from Jesus on the night before he was to die. Although he knew he would soon be suffering the worst kind of death imaginable, he was thinking of us and our welfare.

The peace Jesus gives is not like human peace. It’s not based on circumstances. As Jesus said in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He wants us to have hearts filled with peace – hearts free of anxiety.

The peace Jesus gives is the peace he enjoys with his Father. Imagine sharing that kind of peace with him! In Jesus there’s true peace, lasting peace, and wholeness of reconciliation with God. Where there is conflict or dysfunction he wants to restore harmony and wholeness.

When we believe in Christ’s great love for us – when we feel his peace – we may feel moved to reconcile broken relationships in our personal lives. As we are reconciled to God’s heart, we can be reconciled to each other.

What would a restored relationship look like? What should we work towards?

The question we must ask is this: Am I allowing God to work through me? Colossians 3:12-14, written by the apostle Paul may help.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

So much good stuff is about love, isn’t it? The love of Christ and his peace go well  together.

marja