My Peace I Give unto You


We live in a troubled world. People suffer from all kinds of phobias: fear of crowds, of water, of flying, of open spaces and of burglars. Stress-related illnesses were never commoner; ulcers, rashes, migraine, high blood pressure and heart disease. Yet Jesus says: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn.14:27). If only you would trust Him more, your life would be very different and the peace of God would fill your heart.

Peace with God
Man is a sinner and under God’s wrath, but He sent His Son who took our sins and died for us, satisfying the demands of divine justice and reconciling us to God. When He rose from the dead His first words to His disciples were: “Peace be unto you” (Jn.20:19). “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.5:1). Have your sins been forgiven and your debts paid? Apply to Christ. When He gives peace it is eternal: “Not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (Jn.14:27).

Peace in your Conscience
Some have a felt peace when they have no right to this. Their consciences are ignorant or have been hardened. Others are full of fear when they have no need to be afraid. They have been justified but they lack assurance. Do not rest content till the peace of God floods your heart. Be sure that your hope is based on the shed blood. Christ gives us “the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Rom.8:15).

Peace towards Man
Jesus’ commandment is that we “love one another” (Jn.13:34). If our eyes have been opened to see the debt which God freely forgave us, how can we not forgive our fellow-Christians? “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (Jn.13:35). As the children of God we are to love even our enemies (Mat.5:44), and be blessed peacemakers (Mat.5:9).

Peace with respect to Ambition
Others may struggle up the ‘greasy pole’ but the Christian can be at peace. Do your best but remember that promotion comes from God. The Psalmist saw the “wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away” (Ps.37:35-36). Do not envy them. Their success is temporary. The only heaven they have is here. Surely the pleasures of this world are trivial in comparison to paradise.

Peace in the Midst of Trouble
Even although the whole world is agitated the child of God can be at peace. Your life is in His hands and He has assured you that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom.8:28). When others are panicking remember that God is in control. “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice” (Ps.97:1).


Any comments or questions please E-Mail me or Rev William Macleod the editor.

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