WITH THE LOVE OF JESUS –

Jesus said, “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 14:27

I first wrote about this Scripture at Christmas time in 2014. I told my readers, “can you imagine having a friend offering his peace, knowing he will be tortured and executed only hours later? Can you imagine having a friend who cares so much for you—is so concerned about your well-being—that his thoughts are more with you than the horrors that will soon befall him?”

What kind of peace does he offer to us?

Jesus’ peace is not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace is not true peace. It’s external, not rich and heart-felt. The world’s peace does not remain. It comes and goes.

Jesus’ peace comes to us through the love he shows. Just being aware of his great love for us will give us a sense of peace. The peace Jesus gives is 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.”

His peace will help us remain calm, despite troubles and turmoil we might be going through. It’s an inner contentment. There, despite the chaos around us.

Before Jesus and his ministry, pride and retaliation was common. Jesus ushered in God’s reign—God’s way—the kingdom of God (or kingdom of heaven as some parts of the Bible describe it). Ever since that time, a new way of love and reconciliation has been taught in the world. People are helping the poor and the sick. Conflict and dysfunction are being restored bringing greater harmony and wholeness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this was true throughout the whole world?

Today, as I deal with the happy, but stressful time of the release of my book, ONE SUCH AS ME? I’m reminded that the peace Jesus offers is always available to us, no matter how much stress we might be experiencing. Externally, I don’t think I could say that I’m calm all the time. Yet when I think of Jesus’ promise to his followers—the promise that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) I do feel hope and peace that cannot be extinguished.

Despite the great struggles I’ve experienced in the past, and the struggles we now face as we move towards a Living Room revival. I believe that God’s will is going to be done again as it was in the past. A vibrant group rose up, with Jesus as its foundation. This group provided inspiration for other groups to form. It became a movement, at one time with 16 groups across Canada and the U.S.

What is the will of God for us today, in 2024? Where does the future of Living Room lie?

God’s will—as always—lies in the hearts of those who love God, those who want to share that love and its healing power with those who need him, especially those who are being rejected by the world. And aren’t we all rejected at times? . . . by someone, somewhere, sometimes? Have you? We all know how much his love is needed.

Jesus blessed us with the greatest love possible. As his followers we can take that love and pass it on to others. There is no better way to follow his example.

But how could we possibly emulate a person as remarkable as Jesus? When we spend time with Jesus, reading about him, walking with him and talking with him—each in our own way—we’ll gradually get to know him. And as we get to know him, we’ll start taking on some of his characteristics. We’ll start to love in the way he did by caring for the sick and providing the lonely with friendship. We might even be inspired to start a Living Room group.

I believe in a New Living Room. I believe, as I always did, that with God all things are possible. And I believe it’s in God’s heart and will to help carry Living Room on to a new level of support—one that will benefit all those with mental health challenges who need a place where they can gather to support their peers and to be spiritually encouraged.

Jesus brought vast changes into the world. But I believe all of them were wrapped in one overriding factor. They were all part of his great and boundless love. With this love Jesus helped found a Living Room ministry in 2006. And through this love I believe he will carry it to its next stage. It’s his work. And all we need to do is to be his hands, feet, and voice.

marja