A note from the Pastor’s desk:

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

In the verses leading up to this passage, the Apostle Paul instructs the believer to “put on” the garments of the new man—mercies, kindness, and humbleness of mind—all bound together by the “bond of perfectness” which is charity. Yet, these spiritual graces require a governing principle to maintain order within the soul, leading Paul to the command: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (KJV). 

The word translated here as “rule” is the Greek brabeuō, a term borrowed directly from ancient athletic arenas to describe the work of an umpire or referee. Just as an official arbitrates a contest and settles every dispute with a final decision, the peace of God is called to be the divine “decider” in our inner lives. As we consider our calling as disciples, we find that this peace is not merely a quiet feeling, but a functional authority that must hold sway over every conflicting emotion and every stir of the heart. The Apostle’s instructions acknowledge our human nature: we will experience emotions such as anger, resentment, and pride, but it is the peace of God that governs how we express and receive them. 

The Apostle’s focus is continually on the community of believers. The focus on the group is expressed in this verse through the phrase “also are ye called in one body.” The peace of God is the glue of the local assembly. We are not called to peace in isolation, but as members of one another. When true conflict arises within the community of believers, it is most often because the peace of God is not ruling over the hearts of individuals. In these instances, negative emotions have gone unchecked, leading to hurtful words and actions.

The final instruction in this verse is to be thankful. The type of thankfulness instructed by the Apostle is not a fleeting thought but a continual habit. The habit of thankfulness requires cultivation on the part of each individual. If each person in the community of believers returns to the work of thankfulness, then it serves as a guardrail or reinforcement of the ruling nature of peace. It is nearly impossible to be thankful for others and yet be divisive towards them.

Ultimately, the peace of God is not a destination we reach, but the very atmosphere in which we are called to live and move as disciples.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah