2) Peace
Abundant peace is a natural result of experiencing abundant pardon. Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The peace that Jesus gives is a lasting peace that no one or no thing in this world can shake. Our culture likes to talk a lot about peace, especially at Christmas time, but there can be no true peace without Jesus Christ and the pardon that he offers. There is a wonderful little bumper sticker that simply says:
No Jesus=No Peace
Know Jesus=Know Peace
Without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we cannot hope to experience true, lasting peace in this life. But if we know Him whom to know is life, then we can experience a peace that is unshakeable. Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace” in Isaiah 9:6. He came to be the mediator between God the Father and man. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again, in Colossians 3:15, Paul says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” We as God’s people are called to a life of peace, to let it rule in our hearts.
- Are you letting Christ’s peace rule in your heart this Christmas or are you anxious, stressed, and weighed down?
- Look to Jesus who offers His peace which “passes understanding.” (Phil. 4:7) He loves to give to those who ask!
Once we experience God’s pardon and peace through Jesus Christ, we can then discover our ultimate purpose in life. Join me in our next post for part 3!
