What Makes Peace with God so Important?

What contributes to our joy and peace when preparing to celebrate an event is feeling prepared. Being careful not to get so caught up in the excitement of travel plans and potential social gatherings can keep stress and pressure at a manageable level. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the preparation.

So many good, wonderful things pass us by when we get distracted and fail take in what’s evolving around us. What matters is being close to those with whom we share an event. Focus on the compatibility and intimacy you are privileged to impart to other people.

Let your family know you appreciate and love them for being a positive influence in your life. Seek peace with God as a first step in re-establishing and keeping peace with others. 

Peace with God is the reason Jesus came into the world, so let him fill you with his peace. The peace of God calms the hassled, troubled heart.       

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“I have told you all of this so that in me you will have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous, [be filled with joy]; I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” 

~John 16:33 Amplified Bible

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The Necessity for Realistic Expectations

It's exciting to go shopping for something new. After everything’s been signed, sealed and delivered, what may come as a surprise is buyer's remorse expressed in the form of sadness, anxiety, and worry. Happiness with events and purchases tends to wear off rather quickly as life returns to a normal, everyday pace.

If we expect a buying spree to close the gap in our relationships or within oneself, we’re soon disappointed that the emotional distance still exists. Not only disappointment, but anger or resentment may hang like a dark cloud overshadowing the happiness, joy, and peace we expected. So what is the solution?

Begin by realizing that inner peace and happiness can only be achieved by ridding oneself of all unrealistic expectations. Peace with others is achieved by accepting them as they are, including their limitations. Jesus asked you to forgive others so that you could enjoy the benefits of his forgiveness.  

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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 New International Version

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Christian Standard Bible 

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Major Betrayal? Major Change Required

It's impossible to complete any stage of life without offending or hurting another person. I'm not referring to a minor transgression where an apology could make things right. I’m referring to a major betrayal that scars a person for life or perhaps wounds someone by deliberate actions intended to do harm.

          Making amends is a requirement for inner peace and peace with others. God put it in the heart and mind of Jacob to make amends to his brother for shameful acts of betrayal. To have inner peace and peace with God, he had to submit to sacrificing part of his identity. God changed his name to Israel, for he had struggled with God. 

            Can you imagine the impact that changing your given name would have in every area of your life? Making amends to his brother would demand significant sacrifices, for amends are impossible without sacrifice. What you receive from that sacrifice is God's pleasure and acceptance. It is a small price to pay for such a tremendous reward. 

Golden Rule: Golden Opportunities - Part 3

The mother of a young man who was brutally murdered related how she hated the man who committed the atrocious felony. She promised to give all her energies to keeping him incarcerated for the rest of his life. Complete healing may be impossible if the judicial system is lenient with this violent offender and neglects her need for justice.

Hate, bitterness and anger are self-destructive. My psychology professor noted that persistent stress subjects the body to disease by weakening the immune system. Hate, anger and bitterness are detrimental to the mind, body and spirit by creating a barrier to properly loving yourself.

Yet God’s word instructs believers to love what is good and hate what is evil. Hate felt toward another person, however, is contradictory to the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is difficult to actualize, and is a lifetime endeavor. Implore God to give you the will to comply with his command. Would you do that? 

Golden Rule: Golden Opportunities - Part 2

In what areas of everyday life should the Golden Rule apply? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is one of the toughest principles of life to put into practice. Our conscience teaches us it is right, and our intellect teaches us it is necessary for peace within ourselves and peace with other human beings.

          Jesus anchors the Golden Rule to a love for God. 1 John 4:20 reminds us, "If anyone says 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother cannot love God." For most of us, we hear this truth and it sounds right, but in reality, we have trouble applying it.

          What does the Golden Rule require from you? First, take it seriously. Next, do a thorough self-examination. Realize that God loves you unconditionally even with all your hidden secrets. Even when you were still in a depraved, sinful state, Jesus died on the cross for your redemption. Ask God for opportunities to practice the principles of the Golden Rule.