Some Peace

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.                                2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

How many times have you heard the words, “I just want some peace”? In fact, you have probably uttered these words yourself more than a few times, especially if you are a parent of young children. The words “GIMME PEACE!” are usually uttered in exasperation”. However, peace is never easy to achieve, whether in countries at war, or in the home.

Paul had this trouble with the believers in Corinth. They wanted some peace but didn’t know how to go about getting it. The apostle comes to the rescue in this short verse of advice. He tells them to set their sights high, and to “aim for restoration….comfort….agreement….live peacefully”. Then the God of love and peace would be with them. *Simples* but not so fast, because Paul starts the verse with the word “rejoice”.

Let me get this right. When you are at the end of your tether, and stressed out, he tells us to rejoice? Aye right Paul. Are you serious? Yes, apparently he is. He starts with the command to rejoice, and then comes the rest of the advice. This is all counter intuitive to us, and it must have been the same to the early church too. You didn’t think peace would just fall into your lap, now did you? Getting some of that elusive peace takes effort and action on our part and Paul hits the nail on the head. So, you and I need some peace? Then I suggest we read this verse, and read it over, and then read it some more until it sinks in, because this lesson is in God’s Word so it is a much needed truth for young and old alike. True peace comes through rejoicing.