Activating Peace

Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food…”

Romans 14:17-20

The kingdom of God is within us and begins with our right relationship with the King. The King’s righteousness, peace, and joy fill us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. However, we also must “make every effort” to do what leads to peace and mutual edification in matters that are discretionary. Where differences of strategy, practice, and approach become more important than our unity of faith in Christ and his peace in our lives, we, too, can destroy the work of God for the “sake of food”. Christ’s peace is both a gift we receive and a standard we preserve. We are serving Christ in the same way he served us, with humility, love, and perseverance.

In what ways is the Lord inviting us to work toward peace with other Christ-followers with whom we have differences?

The kingdom-peace of Christ is both vertical and horizontal.

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your peace. I will work toward peace with others, for your glory.”