"He is our peace, who has broken down every wall."
I remember this line to an older worship song. I sing it every now and then as it pops into my mind. Today, it was on my lips off and on for hours. Our pastor is teaching through Ephesians. We covered chapter two today with a target on verses 11 through 22. The passage is about the division between Jews and Gentiles and how Christ has reconciled the two. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity so he could make the two into one. He offers this reconciliation to us as believers. He tells us to be at peace with others, regardless of our differences. We are told in 2 Corinthians that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We should be pointing others to Christ that they may be reconciled to Him as we are. In addition, we are to pursue peace.
I've recently had some strained relationships where I'm trying hard to pursue peace. As I listened to our pastor today, I was challenged in my pursuit of peace. Sometimes it's easy to think we are pursuing peace when really we are pursuing our own objectives. I am a personality that demands truth. I want the facts exposed. I struggle with anything that looks like it's less than forthright. I love transparency and openness. So, in situations where there is no peace and something needs to be said, I want it all said now! Holding my tongue is, consequently, not a strong trait of mine. But, there is so much wisdom in letting time pass and the dust settle. There are many times where peace will be found if I just sit back and let things happen on a natural timetable.
The most important place to pursue peace is in my own heart and in my walk with The Lord. I was reminded of this today. I was getting anxious; I could feel my heart rate accelerating. I recalled Scriptures about peace and did a heart check, asking God to search ME. Then, I was quiet. I know, if you know me well, you know that's almost miraculous. But, I was quiet and asked God to speak.
Right now, I'm feeling at peace. I feel confident in my silence. I feel confident in Christ. He is more than able to bring us to a place of peace, even as we stand on two very opposing sides. He is our peace. He has broken down every wall.
I remember this line to an older worship song. I sing it every now and then as it pops into my mind. Today, it was on my lips off and on for hours. Our pastor is teaching through Ephesians. We covered chapter two today with a target on verses 11 through 22. The passage is about the division between Jews and Gentiles and how Christ has reconciled the two. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity so he could make the two into one. He offers this reconciliation to us as believers. He tells us to be at peace with others, regardless of our differences. We are told in 2 Corinthians that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We should be pointing others to Christ that they may be reconciled to Him as we are. In addition, we are to pursue peace.
I've recently had some strained relationships where I'm trying hard to pursue peace. As I listened to our pastor today, I was challenged in my pursuit of peace. Sometimes it's easy to think we are pursuing peace when really we are pursuing our own objectives. I am a personality that demands truth. I want the facts exposed. I struggle with anything that looks like it's less than forthright. I love transparency and openness. So, in situations where there is no peace and something needs to be said, I want it all said now! Holding my tongue is, consequently, not a strong trait of mine. But, there is so much wisdom in letting time pass and the dust settle. There are many times where peace will be found if I just sit back and let things happen on a natural timetable.
The most important place to pursue peace is in my own heart and in my walk with The Lord. I was reminded of this today. I was getting anxious; I could feel my heart rate accelerating. I recalled Scriptures about peace and did a heart check, asking God to search ME. Then, I was quiet. I know, if you know me well, you know that's almost miraculous. But, I was quiet and asked God to speak.
Right now, I'm feeling at peace. I feel confident in my silence. I feel confident in Christ. He is more than able to bring us to a place of peace, even as we stand on two very opposing sides. He is our peace. He has broken down every wall.
