Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 23: PEACE”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
I don’t like conflict.
I hope I’ve gotten better over the years at dealing with conflict in a better way.
But I still don’t like conflict.
Do you?
Our world is full of conflict. We have Russia vs. Ukraine. Chris Rock vs. Will Smith. Democrats vs. Republicans. Green energy vs. fossil fuels. And the list goes on.
Every morning the headlines are very similar. Conflict in politics. Conflict among nations. Conflict in neighborhoods. Conflict in companies. Conflict in….you name it, conflict exists.
And peace is rare.
So we try to make peace which in many minds is simply the cessation of conflict.
But it’s not that simple.
Here is a great video that explains Biblical peace. Watch it as part of today’s devotion.
It helped me understand again that peace is not just a cessation of conflict, but a restoration of wholeness. This is the heart of Biblical peace.
I love Jesus’ words in John 14:27 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.
Jesus doesn’t give a peace that is superficial and just ends conflict, he gives our hearts a peace that restores us to completeness. He allows our hearts to rest in his love, grace and forgiveness. As the world tries to create peace by treaties, legislation, or law enforcement, Christ creates a peace that surpasses understanding.
He creates a peace that restores to wholeness our relationship with our heavenly Father. He took the conflict our sin deserved and suffered it for us on the cross.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
This truth of grace is what we will build on this week. Only peace that is built on the peace found in Jesus Christ can be a lasting peace. Only peace that ends conflict AND restores to wholeness can come from the One who did just that for you.
Peace truly is a fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is … peace.” (Galatians 5:22)
Apply: How do you think of peace? What changes when you think of peace as not just cessation of conflict, but also restoring to wholeness?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for restoring our relationship with you through your Son Jesus. We treasure the peace we have with you. Help us learn from this to have peace with others. AMEN.