Regarding Being Ruled by Peace…

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

It seems we are always needing to pray for peace in some area of life. Maybe our or someone’s inner peace, peace of mind, peace in marriage or family relationships, peace between nations, people groups, races, and throughout this world. Today we might be especially reminded to pray prayers of peace for Ukraine and peace in the hearts and minds of those who are controlled by a spirit of war and violence.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he made sure to leave his peace with his disciples and promised peace for all who would follow and put their faith in him. Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit; fruit we can all display and possess when the Holy Spirit fills and controls us. The peace of Jesus, helps us deal with the challenges, difficulties, and even battles of this world and life in a calmer, sometimes more pragmatic, level-headed way than others might. Our peace helps us look at matters, not through emotions or even “what appears to be” but through faith and knowledge based upon the power, will, and activity of God.   

Possessing the peace of Christ sets us apart from those who do not have peace. Just because we are Christian or have faith in Jesus does not mean we will automatically have peace. We need to desire it, pray for it, and at times pursue it, because peace can be elusive when it’s not coming through the presence of Christ with us.

Peace does not come just because we have been baptized or confirmed into a Church Body. But the peace of Jesus—which was one of the core values and principles he lived by—is something we must decide to allow to guide, guard, and fill us also.

Jesus said his peace was different from the world’s peace, and it is. The world offers a short-lived peace, a conditional peace, a peace that is built upon methods or contingencies, but the peace of Jesus is that peace that goes beyond our human understanding and based upon our trust in God.

One thing is certain, the devil, the world, and others will test our peace, try to steal our peace but each time Jesus will breathe his peace into us and remind us his peace is a precious commodity that gives stability to everyone who receives and lives by it. The heart that is ruled by the peace of Jesus is the life that is made joyful through peace. Let’s Pray

Jesus, let your peace be ours today. We pray for peace in Ukraine, in every hotspot where war and rumors of war exist, and all places and people in need of peace. Amen

Reflective Questions for Self and Soul-Tending:

Are you in need of or possess the peace of Jesus? How does Jesus’ peace impact your life and relationships?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of self and soul-care?