Listen

The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people.

Colossians 3:15

Think

Many regular church attenders will be familiar with the phrase, “The peace of Christ be with you.” You know how to respond as naturally and instinctively as one does when the person next to you sneezes: “And also with you.” It’s a church phrase, regularly and casually exchanged during worship. The meaning, however, is anything but casual.

The biblical understanding of peace communicates an experience of wholeness, of completeness. When we exchange the peace of Christ, we affirm our wholeness as one body, one team held together by grace, each person valued the same. Our exchange is sincere, because Christ is sincere. Our only role in this peace is to exchange it, to share it with one another as we journey together on this side of eternity.

I pray for this kind of peace today. No matter who is sitting at your lunch table, no matter your tribe or squad, your social ranking, your circle of influence — each of us has the power to share it. Stand firm, then, in this power today and exchange the peace of Christ.

Aram Feinberg

Question to Ponder:

Based on the biblical understanding of peace as a state of wholeness and completeness, what could peace look like today in your context?

Pray

God of Peace, thank you for reminding me that your power is within me.

With the peace of Christ that makes me whole, help me to share that spirit of peace with everyone along my path today.

Amen.

Go

May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

May the Spirit of Love lead you along the path of wisdom and truth.

And all of God’s people say — Amen.