Christmas Brings the Peace of God

Christmas Brings the Peace of God
by Rick Warren

You will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

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Once you make peace with God, that’s spiritual peace, then you get the peace of God in your heart and that’s emotional peace.

This is the one you really need for daily living. The peace of God happens in your heart when you’ve made peace with God. All of a sudden, the stress in your life goes down. You’re not as angry as you used to be. Things don’t bother you as much. You’re a lot more patient. You’re filled with a lot more love and peace.

Why? Because once you have peace with God, you have the peace of God in your heart.

The Bible says, “Don’t worry about anything. Instead pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). You have two choices in life: You can pray or panic, worship or worry. Those are your choices. Worry has never solved a single one of your problems. If you prayed as much as you worry, you would have a lot less to worry about! Prayer can change things. That’s why the Bible says, “Don’t worry. Pray!”

“Pray about everything. Tell God what you need. Thank him for all that he’s done. [And if you do this] You will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Bearing WithOne Another in Love

Ephesians 4:2-6
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NIV)

Boy sometimes this seems such a hard thing to do, doesn't it - to bear with someone else? That's a nice way (when you are having a hard time with this concept) of saying to put up with them. BUT I find it interesting that the responsibility is fully placed on us to bear with that other person. It doesn't give us the allowances we wish for. "But you just don't know how much I have had to put up with in dealing with this person!" Boy I have at least thought this countless times, and many times I go ahead and say it. But God calls me to be Patient, humble and gentle. God doesn't even let me off the hook at that, He calls me to make EVERY EFFORT to keep unity through the bond of peace. That is so hard for me sometimes because I am so sinful. But I know that God's way is best and if I obey Him He can bless me, so I will try to do as He has called me to. What is neat is that I am a bear to deal with too so maybe you can bear with me in love too!