“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you“ (John 14:27) Jesus was born at Christmas to bring you His peace. The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk 2:14). This peace first of all is peace between you and Jesus. Before you surrendered your life to Him, you were at war with Jesus (Jam 4:4).
Then there’s peace with yourself. Forgive yourself as Jesus has forgiven you. Your past sins and guilt may haunt you, but you are a new creation in Christ with all your sins blotted out by God to never be remembered by Him again (Isa 43:25); all thrown into the deepest sea (Micah 7:19); removed from you as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12).
Then there’s peace with others. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. Let any hatred and anger be replaced with His peace, and move on with your life (Rom 12:18).
Finally there’s peace in your circumstances. Life brings tribulations but Jesus’ peace will keep your heart and mind at peace because you know He has every tribulation under His control (Phil 4:7).
This 2024 “let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Col 3:15) through Christ Jesus.
