The Life of Peace
Saturday’s Verse:
From Romans 12:8 ESV
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Peace is easy to admire, but it is hard to live. Life will inevitably draw us into conflict, whether at home, at work, or in the world. It is often hard for us to imagine that peace is possible in our circumstances. We've become accustomed to the idea that “peace” means avoiding problems or pretending that everything is okay. But this is not the peace that God wants for us.
In Romans 12:18, Paul does not promise that peace will always be possible, but he does tell us to do everything we can to make it happen. This requires humility rather than pride, listening rather than speaking first, and forgiveness even when it is not deserved.
We are Lutherans. We know that this is not the way to make peace. It is only in and through Christ that true peace is possible. Jesus didn’t just teach about peace; He accomplished it. On the cross, He broke down the wall that divided us from God. Peace with God is what allows for peace with others. It sets us free from needing to be right in every argument, from holding grudges, from proving ourselves right at all costs.
The life of peace is an active life. It is not passive; it is choosing grace over anger, mercy over bitterness, love over fear, because that is what Christ has already done for us.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You are our peace. In a world full of noise, conflict, and division, teach us to live as people of peace. When it depends on us, help us to be patient, forgiving, and gentle. And when peace seems impossible, remind us that You never are. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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