Monday 13 June 2022

Peace be with you

 

Jesus often greeted His followers with the words, "Peace be with you".

But what do they mean?

Peace is not the absence of war. It is more than that. Peace is a state of being. 

Peace is a condition whereby we are free of fear, real or imagined. Where we have no concerns or worries, either about ourselves or our loved ones. Peace is when we are in total harmony in our relationships.

On the face of it, peace seems an impossible goal to achieve. Because we all, at one time or another, fear something. 

Fear is wisdom in the face of danger. If we were to be met by a lion, or if we were at some great risk, then fear is warranted to make us deal with the situation. Whereas imagined fear is foolishness in the face of unrealities. We think that something bad will happen, we dwell on it in our minds, and we fear it to the point of paralysis. 

Fear is not the only enemy of peace. Constant concerns and worries can wear us down too and rob us of the calm we yearn for.

However, the worst adversary to our peace is our relationships with others. Very few people would claim that they are in perfect harmony with relatives, friends, acquaintances, neighbours and other people in their lives. We all have broken links in our chain of associations which not only distance us from our relationships but are also contrary to Christ's teaching.

Jesus said, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23). 

Of all the obstacles to peace, our broken relationships are the ones which we will be most answerable for when we meet God face to face.

What is the point of praying "forgive our sins as we forgive others" if we don't really mean it?

Admittedly, some broken relationships may be impossible to repair for one reason or another. But this should not be for lack of trying. 

"Peace be with you" is an attainable gift, otherwise Jesus would not have offered it, time and again, to His disciples and followers; and to you and me.

But we should want to receive that peace. We should yearn for it, and treasure it whenever we receive it, however fleetingly and short-lived.

We achieve this through prayer. However difficult it might be when we are in turmoil; whenever we are struck by fear, worries and concerns, or ill-feelings towards others.

Christ's peace, through the Holy Spirit, is yours for the asking. Seek it, pray for it, and treasure it.

Peace be with you.  

22 comments:

  1. A good prayer for fear..
    Dear God, I come before You to lay my panic and
    anxiety at Your feet..
    When I'm crushed by my fears and worries, remind
    me of Your power and Your grace..
    Fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone..!

    And from someone who has suffered from Anxiety and
    stress ALL his life....ME..!
    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
    by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.."
    "Please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled
    heart" ❤️🙏❤️🙏

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  2. Amen Willie. Thank you so much for your comforting words. Praying for you.

    God bless always.

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  3. ...too many have forgotten these words.

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  4. "We think that something bad will happen, we dwell on it in our minds, and we fear it to the point of paralysis." Yes, I've been there; done that. Of late I pray for that measure of peace which surpasses all understanding. Thank you, Victor.

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    1. Sometimes the feeling of helplessness and almost despair overcomes us all, and our mind fears for the worst. Honest prayers, telling God how we feel does help; although, we must not also forget to ask others to pray for us. Someone we trust, like a spouse, pastor, friend.

      Praying for your peace of mind. God bless, Mevely.

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  5. Dearest Victor,
    Indeed that true feeling of PEACE is the only goal one should aim for!
    Prayers do yield that.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  6. Peace is a beautiful thing. At times it is hard to fathom and hold on to. At times my MIND gets in the way...
    Love from here my friend. This is a sweet read. Peace..;-)

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    1. Praying for you to have peace, Jack. You and yours.

      God bless you all.

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  7. That is right Victor, in Jesus is a peace that passes all understanding.

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    1. Amen Brenda. You are so right. God bless you always.

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  8. Another wonderful reminder, thank you Victor.

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  9. It is a peace only God can give us!!

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