Devotion: Colossians 3:15

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Today’s verse may also seem out of place or not quite in alignment with our studies on overcoming anxiety, but again, it was chosen specifically to relay a message. First we need a little background.

Chapter 3 of Colossians tells readers to be one body, united in Christ (Colossians 3:11). The church was told to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave (Colossians 3:13). And all of this led up to today’s verse. Paul was teaching the early church members to live in peace with one another. There were issues in the early church, just as there are issues amongst believers today. And this can cause anxiety!

But Paul reminded them to let the peace of Christ take the reins. Rather than widespread strife or confusion (and therefore, anxiety and discouragement), they were called to be one body, a body called to peace. And in order for there to be peace in the body (the church) there first had to be peace from the members of the body (individual believers). By seeking peace individually they would be able to walk in peace with their fellow believers. And thus it reduces dissatisfaction, anxiety, stress, and confusion. Members are able to sharpen one another as iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).

Then the verse concludes with a simple, “Be thankful.” We should always be thankful and show gratitude.

As someone who deals with anxiety, what does all of this mean? It means we need to be seeking the peace of Christ rather than the peace of the world, which is fleeting and circumstantial. We can have confidence in the promise that God will fill us with His peace  (John 14:27) and that He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11). We can have hope and peace that is eternal (Hebrews 6:18-19). And by doing all of this, we can encourage our fellow believers and walk through life with them. We can have peace as one body of believers, through the collective efforts of all.

Do you have peace? Are you living in peace with your fellow believers?

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