Word for the day by Education Forum

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When the Peace of Christ Rules Your Heart

Bible Reading:  Colossians 3:12-17


Key Verse Vs 15


 “Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts” Colossians 3:15 


DEVOTION

 Many people search for peace in different ways-through success, comfort, or avoiding problems. Yet the Bible teaches that true peace does not come from our circumstances but from allowing Jesus Christ to rule our hearts.
Imagine our heart-our inner world of emotions, thoughts and motives-as an arena . It is often filled with competing voices: fear and hope, jealousy and trust, anger and patience. Paul in his letter to Colossians provides a revolutionary strategy for this inner conflict. ”Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart (3:15) what does it mean to let Peace Rule? When the Peace of Christ rules, it means Jesus is the final authority in our life. It is not a passive, quiet feeling but an active, alert force that decides which thoughts to keep and which to discard. It rules over anxiety, it rules over conflicts, and it rules over decisions.
Before Paul tells us to let peace rule, he instructs us to “clothe “ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (3:12) these qualities reflect the character of Christ.
Paul also tells believers to forgive one another just as the Lord forgave them. A powerful example of this kind of forgiveness is seen in the life of Joseph (son of Jacob). Even though his brothers sold him to slavery, Joseph chose to forgive them when he later became a leader in Egypt. His forgiveness brought healing to his family and peace to his heart.
Paul also encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly in them. When we fill our hearts with God’s word and live with gratitude, our lives begin to reflect Christ in everything we do and say. 
When Christ rules our hearts, compassion replaces harshness, forgiveness replaces bitterness, and peace replaces fear. 

PRAYER

 Lord, I confess that I often allow anxiety, pride, or anger to take the lead. I ask that you fill me with your peace-a peace that passes understanding. Let your peace rule my decisions, calm my emotions, and bring harmony to my relationships. Help me to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility and patience. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Allowing God’s peace to rule involves conscious choice- trusting in His presence and resting in His control rather than striving for control oneself. When peace rules, it keeps fear, doubt, and anger from taking over.


Mariam John
Epiphany MarThoma Church, NY

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