First love, then joy, and now peace. Last month I suggested an image of a pyramid, where one level supports the next, etc. As if these gifts of the Spirit have a certain progression to them. I am not certain this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he was writing to the Galatians, but it is a curious thought. If love is the base, then joy can easily follow. If love and joy are intact, if they have solid footing, then peace can be a natural progression in communities of faith. Does that make sense? As I think of my own life, I am sure that if I have plenty of love and joy, then peace will be a peace of cake (pun intended!). Someone commented to me that the pyramid is a very strong structure.
We need this spiritual gift at so many occasions. Peace is needed by a mother who is grieving the death of a son. Peace is needed for a person who is thinking about an upcoming surgery. Peace is needed when kids come home from school with problems. Peace is needed between siblings when an unjust decision was made in the family. Peace is needed when next-door neighbors have a clash of opinions. Peace is needed in parts of the world where fighting happens over complex issues. Like waves crashing against a wall, there is opposition to peace in our world, and in our hearts.
Peace has positive side-effects! Clearer thinking, easier breathing, better sleeping, more adaptive and flexible attitudes, patience, etc, these can be unlocked by peace. I am not talking about peace that we can accomplish without our relationship with God. I am talking about peace that ultimately comes from the One who has stilled the opposition, rendered it powerless and made it possible even in this life for us. Through Jesus, a certain peace was created that before did not exist. This peace is yours already. You might as well use it in your own life. Others around you will be captivated by your peace.
Last month I used a quote from Mother Teresa. This month, once again, I would like to quote her. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
May the Lord of love, joy and peace be with you.
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