Peace is Love
12/16/2023
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
- John 13:35 ESV
During the season of Advent, as we wait and prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound peace that His presence brings into our lives. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that the world cannot offer, and a peace that only comes from knowing and following Jesus.
In John 13:35, Jesus speaks to His disciples about a distinguishing characteristic that would set them apart as His followers. He tells them that love for one another is the defining mark of a true disciple. This love is not mere sentiment or affection; instead, it is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that mirrors the very essence of Christ's love for us.
As we meditate on this verse, we can see how advent peace intertwines with the attribute of love. The peace that Jesus offers us is not a passive tranquility or the absence of conflict. Instead, it is an active and transformative peace that radiates through our lives, touching the lives of others. It is a peace that creates unity, fosters understanding, and cultivates compassion.
We are called to embody the love and peace of Christ in our interactions with those around us. It is through our love for one another that the world will recognize us as followers of Jesus. Our love should not be limited to those who are easy to love or those who share our beliefs and values. Rather, it should extend to all, even to those who are different from us or who may hold opposing views.
We must remember that loving unconditionally and maintaining peace are not always easy tasks. The world can be filled with division, conflict, and discord, which can challenge our efforts to live out the love of Christ. Yet, in the midst of turmoil, we can find solace in the advent peace that Jesus offers. It is a peace that empowers us to love even when it is difficult, to forgive when it seems impossible, and to extend grace to those who may not deserve it.
As we embrace the advent peace that Jesus brings, we are reminded that it is not something we achieve on our own. Instead, it is a gift bestowed upon us by our Savior. Through the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to love as Jesus loved, to reconcile broken relationships, and to be agents of peace in a world that desperately needs it.
Let’s strive to be known as disciples of Jesus by the love we have for one another. May the advent peace that surpasses all understanding shine through our lives, drawing others to the transformative love of Christ. In doing so, we not only honor the birth of our Savior but also participate in the ongoing work of His kingdom, where love and peace reign supreme.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
- John 13:35 ESV
During the season of Advent, as we wait and prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound peace that His presence brings into our lives. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that the world cannot offer, and a peace that only comes from knowing and following Jesus.
In John 13:35, Jesus speaks to His disciples about a distinguishing characteristic that would set them apart as His followers. He tells them that love for one another is the defining mark of a true disciple. This love is not mere sentiment or affection; instead, it is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that mirrors the very essence of Christ's love for us.
As we meditate on this verse, we can see how advent peace intertwines with the attribute of love. The peace that Jesus offers us is not a passive tranquility or the absence of conflict. Instead, it is an active and transformative peace that radiates through our lives, touching the lives of others. It is a peace that creates unity, fosters understanding, and cultivates compassion.
We are called to embody the love and peace of Christ in our interactions with those around us. It is through our love for one another that the world will recognize us as followers of Jesus. Our love should not be limited to those who are easy to love or those who share our beliefs and values. Rather, it should extend to all, even to those who are different from us or who may hold opposing views.
We must remember that loving unconditionally and maintaining peace are not always easy tasks. The world can be filled with division, conflict, and discord, which can challenge our efforts to live out the love of Christ. Yet, in the midst of turmoil, we can find solace in the advent peace that Jesus offers. It is a peace that empowers us to love even when it is difficult, to forgive when it seems impossible, and to extend grace to those who may not deserve it.
As we embrace the advent peace that Jesus brings, we are reminded that it is not something we achieve on our own. Instead, it is a gift bestowed upon us by our Savior. Through the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to love as Jesus loved, to reconcile broken relationships, and to be agents of peace in a world that desperately needs it.
Let’s strive to be known as disciples of Jesus by the love we have for one another. May the advent peace that surpasses all understanding shine through our lives, drawing others to the transformative love of Christ. In doing so, we not only honor the birth of our Savior but also participate in the ongoing work of His kingdom, where love and peace reign supreme.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Posted in Advent Reflections, Biblical Teaching, Encouragement and Inspiration, Faith and Spirituality, Obedience
Posted in Advent, Love, Faithfulness
Posted in Advent, Love, Faithfulness
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