Peace is Our Inheritance

In the heart-stirring words of John 14:27, Lord Jesus imparts a profound truth to His disciples, a legacy of peace: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Lord Jesus made this declaration as He prepared to depart from this earth, encapsulates essential truths about the nature of peace.

1. Peace as a Divine Gift

a].Impartation of Peace

Contrary to the belief that peace is a self-generated state of mind, the Bible emphasises it as a divine gift. In John 14:27, Jesus differentiates the peace He offers from worldly peace. This is echoed in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This peace is not a product of our human efforts but a gift from the Lord.

b].Peace Through Surrender

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 highlights the contrast between human endeavour and divine peace. While Martha is caught up in the busyness of service, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet, embodying surrender and receptivity. This act symbolises the path to true peace – not through frantic activity but through stillness and surrender to God's presence.

2. The Fruit of the Spirit

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

These scriptures illustrate peace as a fruit of the Spirit, something that grows within us as we cultivate a life in the Spirit. This peace is a marker of spiritual maturity, a tranquil assurance that emanates from a deep relationship with God.

3. Becoming Instruments of Peace

a].Spreading Peace

As recipients of God's peace, we Christians are called to be ambassadors of peace in a troubled world. Matthew 5:9 declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." This peacemaking is not passive but an active spreading of the tranquillity we receive from God.

b]. Peace in Turmoil

In storms of life, the indwelling peace of God acts as an anchor. As Psalm 46:10 advises, "Be still, and know that I am God," we find that in the midst of chaos, there is a supernatural rest available to those who trust in Him.

4. Nurturing Peace Daily

a].Starting the Day with God

Beginning each day in communion with God through prayer and Scripture reading is vital in nurturing this peace. Isaiah 26:3 promises, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." This daily practice is not merely a ritual but a way to align our hearts with God's presence.

b].Maturing in Peace

As we continue in this daily walk, the peace of God grows within us, maturing and deepening. The apostle Paul's life is a testament to this, as he maintained peace amidst trials and persecutions, as described in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

⁹And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The peace that Jesus offers is a profound inheritance, transcending worldly understanding. It's a gift received through surrender, nurtured in daily communion with God, and manifested in our lives as peacemakers. In a world of unrest, this divine peace stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the living presence of Christ in us.

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 24-26

Peace is Our Inheritance

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