We have been looking at ‘peace’ in our mid-week Good News Messages. We have talked about peace with God, and how He has blessed us with that wonderful gift through Christ Jesus our Lord. Being at peace with God gives us the ability to be at peace within ourselves, and with others. God Is Peace, that is what He wants for each of us, and that is the primary reason Christ came to earth as the Messiah, the Son of Man. He finished that work, but we have the choice to receive it, and walk in it, or try it our way.
Peace is what the enemy tries to steal because he knows without it, we cannot have the relationship with God, nor within ourselves, nor with each other that is ours to have through Christ Jesus. It is critical that we do not allow the enemy to lie to us, and deceive us, and steal what the Lord has provided.
The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul saying: “Live in peace with each other. And we urge you brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all, hold to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13-24. )
As we look at these words, and purpose to live in them, we know we will indeed be sanctified and be at peace with God, and man, when we do. As we pray continually, and quench not the Spirit, and give thanks in all circumstances, we will be able to reject every kind of evil, and there will be nothing that can steal our peace.
Here is the Good News. The One who has called us to do these things will do them with us, will give us the strength to do them as we need it, and in many cases just do them for us when we cannot – but want to. “He is faithful. He will do it. ” He wants us to live in peace. The enemy does not. Let us listen to the One who loves us.
The Lord said, “As far as it depends on you, purpose to live in peace with each other, judging not, and accepting each other as spirit, soul, and body.” In spirit, we are one. When we look at another human being as one with us, and in our spirit they are, our perspective changes. What we see on the outside is not who they really are. Let us look within them as the Lord opens the door for us to do so. Let us try to see them as the Lord sees them. This is what we will see in heaven.
Blessings, love, grace, and wisdom be yours in Abundance, Beloveds of God. May each of you prosper, and be in Good Health as you walk in His peace.
Poppa B.