“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these, PUT ON LOVE, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the PEACE that comes from Christ RULE in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” [Col. 3:12-15]
When Paul wrote the above, he had experienced shipwreck, jail, hunger, beatings, threats, betrayal by his own people and much more, yet he had an inner peace which we cannot comprehend unless we too, experience that kind of peace we all long for.
The power of Jesus’ peace strengthened Him when He was betrayed, severely whipped, mocked, and crucified on an agonizing cross. Yet His heart was ruled by peace, and He could say, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” During the torture, the pain, the anguish and torment, Jesus remained tender-hearted, compassionate, humble, and loving.
HOW do we too experience ruling peace? Phil. 4:4-9 teaches us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all comprehension, will GUARD/RULE your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, think/dwell on these things… PRACTICE THESE THINGS, and the God OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU.”
Precious Prince of peace, Thank You for Your Word which is so clear and overflowing with wisdom. Please help me to strive daily to be more like You, to experience the kind of peace You had during trials and persecution. Help me to get rid of all anxiety, to love those who are difficult to love, and to set my mind on thinking on whatsoever is pure, honourable, lovely, and righteous. Please give me a thankful heart which realizes that You are with me, even during these tumultuous times we live in. In Your sweet Name we pray, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen