O Lord, may you ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

Paul wrote: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

Peace always sounds like it would be wonderful especially as we look around our world today. There are a lot of places where there is actual war, people forced from their homes, refugees in camps and with no where to go. Conflicts abound between nations, among families, within countries. There are conflicts that seem unending with no pathway to peace.

Peace is more than the absence of conflict, however. It includes feelings of safety and security. Places where people can gather and welcome and celebrate each other. Yesterday there was the welcome news of a cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Today there was news that people are able to regain more of a normal life instead of hiding from and suffering the effects of war.

Paul concludes 2 Corinthians with a farewell – one that says rejoice in the message you have heard, rejoice in the Good News. He asks them to strive for restoration of relationships, to encourage each other rather than be critical. They are to live in peace. The promise is that God, our God of love and kept promises will be with them. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we remember to give thanks for all that we have, and are able to share with others in peace.

Lord, you have restored us and given us your peace through your son, Jesus Christ. Let us overcome strife with your blessing of peace and love upon all people. We rejoice that your love and peace dwell within us, and we pray that we will be united by having the mind of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party