What Would Peace Do?

Peace would know first and foremost that its biggest instrument is it's tongue. It would train its tongue to be slow for starters, slow to speak. Slow enough to say out well thought out responses. It would know that nothing good ever came out of blurting out words!

It would purpose to sieve it's words through a net of love and a net of grace, so that the words coming from it would be loving and gracious so that they would not be found to be disrespectful by the hearers.

It would know that it's state of heart and mind is very important. That out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks and thus would do all it could to keep it's mind and heart in order. By dwelling on thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. And in doing so, would dissolve the all the wrong attitudes that spill over through it's words. 

Peace would accept the fact that disagreements and strife keep surfacing in all our relationships, and even if it dreaded these moments, it would seek to use these platforms to build it's relationships into stronger and more loving ones. It understands that sweet fellowship and warm closeness follow reconciliation, and it knows that the key to that is; using words that build and not words that tear down during confrontation.

It would strive to live in harmony with everyone, to the best of it's ability, not because it seeks to impress these people but because it seeks to please God.

Peace forgives everyone for everything because it knows that forgiveness frees the heart from all sorts of poison; Judgment, blame, hurt, bitterness, anger.. etc It knows that there is no true inner peace while harboring these emotions. It just lets go. Not because the offences meant nothing, but because it no longer wants to carry these unnecessary burdens. It lays them at the feet of the LORD.

Peace knows one thing for sure, it is not in ultimate control of it's life, God is. Not to say it does not take responsibility for its actions, it does. But it knows that the future is in God's hands so there is no need to worry about it. It knows it is sinful to worry and be anxious because God commands us not to. Does it plan? yes. Prepare? yes. Pray? yes. Be anxious about it? no. And since the past already happened, it does not dwell on it. It lives in the moment, enjoying it as it is.

It has a close cousin called Contentment. They walk hand in hand. Peace knows it needs contentment. Being grateful for what it has. Working hard and diligently? yes. Willing to progress and grow? yes. But all the same, being satisfied and grateful for what it receives.

Peace knows that it comes from God, it is the kind that nothing in this world can give(not even great wealth or absence of trouble) and nothing in this world can take it away. And it knows that the secret to keeping it is in enjoying communion with the LORD as often as possible. Studying the Bible, praying to Him and leaving all its burdens at His feet. It knows that in that sweet surrender lies its freedom.

May God help me, help us to keep this pleasantly peaceful heart.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Col 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful"