Living Together in His Peace

Ephesians 4:1-6

Verse 3  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

    His gift of peace is more than something for us to receive, we can also give a sense of it.  We don’t hold the power or ability to manage things like God does, we do have a responsibility to not cause others – especially our fellow Christians – anxiety and stress.

    Yesterday we were talking about how we shouldn’t be anxious and yet there are times we don’t help each other with this.  We are willing to help others have anxiety if it means getting what we want.  Family gatherings can be powerful examples of this, but sadly, so can the church.  That is what Paul was addressing in his letter to his good friends in Ephesus.

    This part of his letter talks about unity that should be evident in the church, but notice he gives an often missed hint at how that is accomplished.  True unity doesn’t happen through compromise as the world would like us to believe, it comes from the varying parties having a bond of peace in the Spirit.  As fellow Christians we have the Spirit dwelling in us and guiding us, because He can’t oppose Himself, we should be in peace with each other due to our being bound in Him.

    One of the ways we can help bring peace to a brother or sister in the Lord is by gently reminding them of the peace of Christ.  This can be done by coming alongside them to help them in their situation, praying with them and even caring for them as they need.  It may mean uncomfortable situations, but that doesn’t mean it has to lack peace.  Paul was the perfect example of how one can have peace in the midst of hardships.

    Even the most mature of believers may need a reminder now and then about how we shouldn’t be anxious, but should be trusting in the Lord and finding peace in Him.  This is the gift we can give each other, not just at Christmas but all year through.  This is how we find and enjoy the Spirit’s peace together as a church.

Making It Personal

    Has anyone every helped you remember the peace of Christ when you were struggling?  Have you ever helped someone else know His peace?  Who could use His peace today?

Making It Personal Kids

    Who helps you remember about Jesus when you are having a hard day?  Have you ever helped someone else remember that Jesus is in control?  Who needs to remember the peace of Jesus today?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for giving us a church family to help us remember Your peace when we are struggling.  Help us be there for each other as You have called us to be.  In Jesus’ name, amen.