15
Jan '19
A Believer’s Peace
15
Jan '19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
Today, believers and unbelievers alike are looking for peace. But how do we follow after the things of peace? Since everyone is longing and searching for peace, let’s first define the difference between the peace of the unbeliever with the peace of the believer.
The unbeliever is looking for peace in the outer circumstances of their lives. “If only the world was a peaceful place to be, if only we had a leader that would establish peace, if only everyone else would be kind to one another….then we would have peace” are the hopes and thoughts of the unbelievers. So, they look for leaders who could bring this kind of peace to their environment. We all agree with this kind of thinking to some extent. Wouldn’t we all be happy with world peace and conflict free circumstances? But Jesus tells us that in this world you will have tribulation and the Bible teaches that the only leader who will bring world peace is the spirit of the antichrist. World peace cannot last under his reign for Satan is the master of division, destruction, disaster and death.
A believer’s peace is different. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The kind of peace Jesus gives is peace of heart. Christians should have great peace knowing that they are unconditionally loved and that God has a purpose for them. There is great peace seeing prayers answered and understanding the things of God. As a believer begins to meditate upon the things of God, the peace they receive in their hearts starts training their minds to think differently. We start hearing praise songs going through our minds and thanking God for His lovingkindness and goodness towards us. Finally, this peace of Christ is lived out through the believers’ behaviors. Their attitude is not negative and they smile for no reason. They are focused but not self centered. And their behavior starts reflecting a trust in God that all things will work together for good because they love God and know God loves them. A believer understands that it is not about conflict-free circumstances that bring peace but about Jesus who brings peace in the midst of all kinds of circumstances. So, we follow after the things of peace leading us to follow the Author of perfect peace Himself.
When I read this devotion I felt it was a great way to define the difference between the peace of the unbeliever with the peace of the believer. There is such a significant difference. My prayer today is if you are not reflecting the peace of a believer that you would be inspired by this devotion to make a change in your heart and life and walk with the assurance that as today’s devotion says, Jesus, The Author of perfect peace Himself brings peace in the midst of all kinds of circumstances. So today, even if you don’t see peace on the horizon, trust The Author of perfect peace.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 8:31-32
15
Oct '18
Agreeing to Disagree
15
Oct '18
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
I remember hearing my dad talk about how difficult it was to walk away from unending arguments over differing interpretations of the Bible. By contrast he recalled how good it was when both sides agreed to disagree.
But is it really possible to set aside irreconcilable differences when so much seems to be at stake? That’s one of the questions the apostle Paul answers in his New Testament letter to the Romans. Writing to readers caught in social, political, and religious conflict, he suggests ways of finding common ground even under the most polarized conditions (14:5–6).
According to Paul, the way to agree to disagree is to recall that each of us will answer to the Lord not only for our opinions but also for how we treat one another in our differences (v. 10).
Conditions of conflict can actually become occasions to remember that there are some things more important than our own ideas—even more than our interpretations of the Bible. All of us will answer for whether we have loved one another, and even our enemies, as Christ loved us.
Now that I think of it, I remember that my dad used to talk about how good it is not just to agree to disagree but to do so with mutual love and respect.
Father, please enable us to be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with us about anything or everything. Amen.
This devotion blessed me because to often I feel we can so easily hold grudges and distance ourselves from making a difference in one’s life just because we disagree about one thing or another. If we would apply today’s lesson to our lives we just may be able to impact more for Christ and when the day comes to stand before God, He will be well pleased with how we chose to love instead of argue. Be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with you. We can agree to disagree—in love.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 7:24