Anticipating Christ: Peace | Resources
Devotional:
When Jesus gave a prophetic briefing to His disciples that we know as “The Olivet Discourse” in Matthew 24, He spoke of “wars and rumors of wars” and nations rising against nations (Matt 24:6-7). He referred to these tumultuous times as “birth pangs.” We have witnessed this in 2022 with the War in Ukraine and the increasing threat of war with China over Taiwan. Yet, if we have learned anything from history, we have learned that war is a permanent part of human existence. Nothing new here; move along.
Still, mankind yearns for peace. Politicians promise it, diplomats promote it, and soldiers hope for it, but it escapes our doing. Conflict is a part of human nature, and as long as we live in a fallen world, we will experience conflict.
Jesus is the only One who can bring true, lasting peace. Maybe this has been a year of conflict for you, personally. Personal conflict takes its toll on us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It wears us down. What kind of peace does Jesus offer? Jesus offers peace that comes through forgiveness.
When we are experiencing personal conflict, unforgiveness is often at the root. We seek personal forgiveness for our own sins, but Jesus also commands us to forgive others who have sinned against us (Matt 6:12). It can be difficult to forgive others when there is a justified hurt that may seem unforgivable, but Jesus gives us the strength and courage to do so.
Let this be your Christmas gift this year: give yourself and others the gift of forgiveness. Find real peace when you learn by faith and trust in Jesus to let go of the burdens you carry and begin to walk the path of forgiveness.
by Chris Eller
Memory Verse:
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:4–7
Discussion Questions:
What is something you’re looking forward to most about heaven?
How have you seen God’s peace in your life? Where has He been your refuge?
What would peace on earth look like?
What are some things we wish for that we think might bring us peace but can’t?
Where in your life is there a lack of peace? What would it look like to give it to God?
What’s an area of your life where you need more peace?