THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULES IN OUR HEARTS COCIN Devotional 7TH FEBRUARY 2023

SUB-THEME: SEEK THE PEACE OF THE LAND.

TEXT: COLOSSIANS 3:12-17.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Eph 4:32 Eph 6:11 1Th 1:4 [Eph 4:2]

13 Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive. Mat 6:14 Mar 11:25 Eph 4:32 [Mat 18:22]

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity. Joh 13:34 Joh 15:12 Eph 4:3 Eph 5:2 Col 2:2 1Th 4:9 1Jn 3:23 1Jn 4:21

15 Let the peace of the Messiah also rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body, and be thankful.

16 Let the word of the Messiah inhabit you richly with wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and singing to God with thankfulness in your hearts. Eph 5:19 [1Co 14:15] [Jas 5:13]

17 And whatever you do, whether by speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Eph 5:20 1Th 5:18 [1Co 10:31]

MESSAGE:

There is a popular saying that “you cannot give what you do not have.” For us to live in peace with one another, each of us needs to have peace in our own hearts. Absence of peace in one’s heart makes it impossible for the person to extend peace to others. This passage admonishes you to let the peace of Christ reign in your heart. We can let the peace of Christ reign in our hearts by;- .

(i) receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour

(ii) living in good relationship with God always and

(iii) allowing our thoughts and actions to be led by the Holy Spirit.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts gives us peace that the world cannot give. If the peace of Christ rules your heart, you can forgive the most grievous offenses, reconcile with your enemies, and live in peace with everyone.

Internal peace makes external peace possible.

God, help me to let your peace reign in my heart always. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: PSALM 122:6-7

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace… within your citadels.”

TODAY’S READING PLAN: LEVITICUS 18-20.