2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 10-12 GW; Titus 1 GW
Pass the peace.
One thing we can all do is spread goodwill to others. Whoever you meet is a new opportunity to share God’s love. Jesus greeted His disciples with this simple phrase:
“Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36 NIV)
Paul followed in Jesus’s footsteps. He opened each of his letters with “Grace and peace be with you.” (Rom. 1:7 NIV, 1 Cor. 1:3 NIV; 2 Cor. 1:2 NIV). In his letter to Titus, Paul starts the same way, offering good tidings to his friend.
In a world full of turmoil, we need more peace. Jesus gives us peace that surpasses all understanding. The storm may rage around us, but calm resides within us. We gain tranquility when we lay our burdens at the foot of the cross. Once we have confessed our sins, we find rest from our worries in Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Greet each other with peace.
Churches have “passed the peace” for centuries. At some point in the service, congregants greet each other. Traditional services use a simple exchange. Shaking hands with their neighbors, they say, “The peace of the Lord be with you.” Then they receive these words in turn, “And also with you.”
We can pass the peace anywhere. A quick embrace accompanied by “Praying God’s peace for you” can change someone’s day. As you pass the peace to others, you’ll receive it yourself. In turn, you will find joy. Peace from the Lord brings inner happiness. When we share what we’ve found with others, our pleasure is magnified.
Try passing the peace today. Give a quick hug. Utter a word of encouragement. Pray for God’s peace to reign in the lives of the people you meet today.
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Lord, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Forgive us for trying to find rest any other way than in You. Today, allow us to experience Your peace like never before. Help us to share what You give us with others. Give us opportunities today to pass Your peace to everyone we meet. As we do, let us experience the joy that comes from obedience to You. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
Who can you pass the peace too today?
