𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐙𝐀, 𝐈𝐒𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐋

𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 (𝟒) 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 : 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐙𝐀, 𝐈𝐒𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐋, 𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐍, 𝐔𝐊𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄, 𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑, 𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀 ….

SUNDAY 12 MAY 2024

EPHESIANS 2 v 11- 18 “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

We are asked today to reflect on a topic that touches us all – our longing for peace. In a world ravaged by strife and violence, our hearts yearn for that inner tranquillity, that peace that comes with the awareness of God’s presence with Him. We are drawn to the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-17, where he speaks of the importance of peace in the life of a believer. So let us direct our hearts and minds to this theme, as we delve into the Scriptures and are led by the Spirit.

Peace begins with God

We begin our journey to peace by acknowledging that true peace has its origin in God Himself. He is the God of peace, and His desire is for peace among His children. Through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, God has paved the way for peace between Himself and us, and also between us and each other. It is through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we receive redemption and can have a new relationship with God. So if we long for peace, it is to God that we must turn. He is the source of true peace, the kind of peace that surpasses understanding.

Let peace reign in your heart

The peace of Christ is not just a concept, but a reality that each of us can experience. This peace is not found in the absence of strife and tribulation, but rather in the presence of Christ in our hearts. It is a peace that dwells deep within us, even amidst the storms of life. If we allow Jesus to fill our hearts with His peace, we will escape the grip of unrest, worry, and fear. We can find rest in the knowledge that we are loved by God, that we are accepted by Jesus, and that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Let peace grow in your life

But the impact of this peace extends beyond our own hearts. It reaches out to our relationships with other people and to the world around us. As Paul reminds us, Christ is our peace, and through Him, we are all one body. The wall of enmity and division has been broken down by the cross of Christ, and we are called to live in peace together. This means to love, to forgive, and to respect one another. It means to seek peace, even amidst differences and conflicts. We are called to be witnesses of God’s love and peace in the world through our own lives and relationships.

PEACE GROWTH PLAN

Recognition of the source of peace: Let us acknowledge that Jesus is our peace. We find our unity in Him, regardless of our backgrounds, status, or convictions. Let us open our hearts to His peace, so that we can function as a community of Jesus, called to His peace.

Overcoming differences: We must acknowledge that there can be deep divides between people – whether it be race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or personal beliefs. But in Jesus, these differences are overcome. Let us focus on our common identity in Him and the connection we share as members of one body.

Making peace visible: The peace of Christ must be made visible in our community. Through our love, forgiveness, and respect for one another, we can be a testimony of God’s peace in the world. Let us strive for a life of peace, where we open our hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Collaborating in peace: Let us acknowledge that we cannot achieve the growth towards peace alone. With the help of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can work together to let this fruit of the Spirit grow and flourish in our world, despite all the conflicts and divisions.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the peace that You offer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We acknowledge that our hearts long for that peace that can only come from You. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts with the peace of Christ, so that we may rest in the knowledge that we are safe in Your love. Help us to share this peace with others, to love as You love us, and to live peacefully in a world torn apart by strife and division. May our lives be a testimony of Your peace, so that others may see and believe. In the name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN