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NASB | Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. |
Subject: Peace a good deciding factor? |
Bible Note: Dear Brother David, I believe that your concern is well founded. In English words like love, peace, joy, hope, etc. are words of emotion. Scripture seems to have other things in mind! I liked your definition of love. As we see in the Scripture, whenever God loves, He does something! It isn't just butterflies in the tummy! :-) That written, as whole beings, there is an emotional aspect to our lives. We are not to be led by emotion, but rather by truth. However, often truth elicits an emotional response. Hopefully, however, the consequence is obedience! "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14:27a) Other things can be drawn from this passage. However, with the question at hand consider this: Christ was speaking of His soon departure. He is commanding the disciples to be obedient to His Word. He has assured them of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will instruct them. He tells them clearly that He has given them peace. However, He says it is a kind of peace that is completely alien to the world. Now, the world experiences two kinds of peace: (1) the cessation of warfare and (2) periods of inner tranquil. I think the latter kind is the "feeling kind." On the other hand, Christ goes on to say in the same verse, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27b) So, certainly there is an emotional component to this peace. But I think it is much more than that. I am persuaded that there is a calmness associated with it. There also is an intellectual component. It has to do with truth (2 John 1:3). However, there is also a spiritual component. Before we were saved, we were at war with God. In fact, Scripture says that we were God haters. But, through the act of God by the shed blood of Christ, we have been brought into an incredible new relationship with God in which the waring has ceased. His justice is satisfied. His love is manifested. His glory increased. We are justified, and therefore have peace with God (Romans 5;1). Now, I don't know about everyone else -- but if I'm at peace with God, and I have both external and internal evidence of this fact, there isn't much else to fret about! Anyway... those are my two mites. :-) In Him, Doc PS I like your definition. Might I expand it a bit for our own purposes? Love - An intelligent willingness to do what is best for the other person, in the light of the Word of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, possibly at my own loss Note that only a Christian can exhibit this kind of love! Do you think we might be more willing to testify about our Lord if we loved Him more and loved others more? (Romans 9:1-5) |