We think of peace as the absence of conflict, the lack of hostility and war. This is the world’s definition of peace. This is not the peace of Christ.
The peace that Jesus gives is a sense of tranquility of mind, a simplicity of heart. True, inner peace. We only get this peace from God. The world does not–cannot give us this peace. We have this peace only when God dwells in us. We know from John 14: 23 and 27 that Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” He goes on to tell us that His peace is not the peace of the world.
We have peace when God dwells in us. God lives in us when we love Him. St. Isidore of Seville is quoted as saying, “Reading the Holy Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns man’s attention from the follies of the world and leads him to the love of God.” When we love God, we read Scripture and we keep His word. When we love God, we put Him first in our lives. Obedience to God’s word is the way to peace!
Obedience to God’s commands to give is our intentional acknowledgement of His authority in our life. He is entitled to honor and respect. His Divine Lordship over every facet of our life, including our money, is not a threat, but a place of safety and security. A place of peace.
I have cited many scriptures in these posts that speak to God’s commands of us to give. So, Give in obedience to God’s word and see if in that you don’t experience His peace, the peace that is beyond understanding.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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