Give Peace

“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

If you’re like me when you think of peace, you often think of the feeling of contentment and calm despite circumstances. God graciously gives us this peace, His peace, the peace that passes all understanding, which has the ability to reign in us even in the toughest of circumstances. I think that God also gives us another gift of peace; and this peace requires our action. God calls us, as members of His body, to exist in peace together. Just as we receive peace from God by accepting His forgiveness for our sins, we also extend peace to others (and ourselves) when we forgive them. Not only does God want us to take action to offer forgiveness, but He calls us to go one step further and to be thankful.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are often packed with too many things to do and not enough time to do it in. Tensions run high and the people who love each other most often grow short and snippy with each other. As all the hustle and bustle goes on around you, remember the Christ Child, who brought peace to earth that glorious night. Remember the forgiveness that God has extended to you through Christ and take the action to extend it to others in your life. But don’t stop there! Be thankful for the people God has placed in your life as we give and receive peace and forgiveness from each other.

Lord, Grant us grace as we extend forgiveness and peace to one another. Help us to be thankful for those you place in our lives.

~ Lindsay