“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
How do you decide what your response will be to other Christians when there is conflict of some kind? Maybe it’s a simple disagreement. Maybe someone wronged you, hurt you badly. Maybe someone feels offended by your words, though you’re not sure they should.
The word “rule” in today’s passage means “arbitrate” or “decide the debate.” Paul is saying that we should let “Christ’s peace” decide how we will respond to other believers. And, of course, the peace of Christ will tell us to do the thing that brings more peace between brothers and sisters.
Peace with others in our lives is not free. It costs us something – our right to rule in our hearts that we will get even, that we will not forgive, that we will not apologize or own the part of the conflict that is ours, that we will not let it go unless the other person agrees he was wrong, too.
Peace costs our selves, and peace is our calling.
Think: Who rules in your heart?
Pray: Ask God to help the peace of Christ to rule in your heart when it comes to resolving conflicts with other Christians.
Do: Look up the word “arbitrate” in a dictionary.