Let Peace Rule Your Words and Actions

When you read today’s verse, it almost seems “And be thankful” is an afterthought, but it definitely is not.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

─ Colossians 3:15 NIV

Notice the verse says that we are “called to peace.” The peace which God gives is two types: peace with God and the peace of God.  

1. Peace with God. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).  
2. Peace of God. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). 

Let His peace rule in your words and actions.

Because of Christ’s work on the cross, we have the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, and the peace of Christ can “referee” or rule our hearts.

Letting peace rule is about your relationships in the Church (members of one body). Do people see peace when they see us? When they see the Church? Typically no. But there is a greater characteristic they can miss when watching us: love.

 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). 

We can love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). You have God’s love and His peace because Christ shed his blood for you on the cross. And that is the greatest thing for which you can be thankful. It is only through His love at work in our lives that we can let peace rule in all we do.

Today’s One Thing

Ask God to help you see yourself as others see you. Do you need to demonstrate more of His peace in your words and actions? Give the Holy Spirit permission to lead and guide you so that His peace truly rules your heart. 

Go Deeper

Watch Dr. Randy’s Intentional Living Minute on THANKFUL. You can even get them in your email when you go to TheIntentionalLife.com/minute.

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