During this season we spend time with family and friends enjoying the gifts of relationships that God has graciously given us. Yet many aren’t able to do that peacefully because of broken relationships that are results of the damaging effects of sin and rejecting God’s ways. Many dread attending Christmas gathering because of the hurt between another family. Others won’t even be present because of the broken family relationships.
The beautifully written Christmas hymn O Holy Night warmly declares:
“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is Peace Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother”
Peace is what occurs in hearts and relationships of those who have believed and applied the gospel of peace.
The Apostle exhorted followers of Christ to expect and pursue the reality of this peace in their relationships. He wrote:
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:17-19 ESV
Finding vertical peace with God always leads to experiencing horizontal peace with others. Peace occurs in us and among us from accepting the righteous reign of King Jesus. First he makes us righteous through faith and we find peace with God (Romans 5:1)and then peace in our relationships follows this occurrence. Through the Gospel of Peace it is possible for you to experience relational peace. And the Holy Spirit who leads us and empowers us on the path of righteousness and peace.
May you truly experience a peace-filled Christmas!
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