Peace grants unity

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. — Colossians 3:15

The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Colossae a blessing for unity. He writes from prison in Rome to a church he has never attended. The church was in a critical moment as it was being attacked by heretical teachers misinforming the members about the dual nature of Christ. Paul strongly affirmed that Jesus is creator and redeemer.

Paul also declares that Jesus is the lord of peace who grants it to those who follow him. Christ’s peace is a blessing and resides in our hearts. Once we accept it, we can live as one body of people living faithfully despite the pressures from those who think they know more than they really do. The end result is a spirit of thankfulness. God is the one responsible for our ability to live in unity and peace. When we are raised with Jesus, we have a new life filled with all of the benefits of living faithfully. One of the most important is the blessing of peace that enables us to serve God faithfully.

God of peace, continue to bless us with the knowledge that no matter how wide the divisions, we can live together in peace. The divisions of the world are not our inheritance for we are heirs of unity as children of God. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.