The Peace of Christ

In the heart of our Presbyterian and Reformed communities, we often greet each other with a profound, yet simple blessing, “The peace of Christ be with you.” It’s a phrase we share in moments of worship and fellowship, echoing through the halls of our churches and into the depths of our hearts. Yet, in the repetition, its profound meaning may sometimes slip quietly by us, unnoticed.

But let us pause and reflect on the words of Scripture for a moment that bring this peace to life.

Matthew 5:9 calls to us, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It’s a reminder that in our quest for peace, we are closely following in the footsteps of Jesus, our Prince of Peace.
John 14:27 offers us comfort directly from Jesus’ lips, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” It’s as if Jesus is whispering to us across the ages, encouraging us to hold tight to the peace He provides, unlike anything this world can offer.
In John 16:33, Jesus acknowledges the reality of our struggles, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” It’s a powerful declaration of victory, assuring us that in Him, we find peace amidst life’s storms.
Romans 12:18 and Colossians 3:15 further guide us to embody this peace in our interactions and let it rule in our hearts, for we are all members of one body, called to gratitude and unity in Christ.

So, what does all this really mean for us?

First, it means having a heart that’s not all tied up in knots with worry because we know Jesus has got us, and He’s in charge.
It means getting along and being kind to the people around us, forgiving them like Jesus forgives us.
And it means being people who make peace wherever we go, not causing and sowing hurt, problems, or fights.

These are just a few simple ways we can live out the peace that Jesus gives us. There’s so much more to it, but at the heart of it all is letting Jesus lead our lives because that’s where true peace comes from — both inside us and in how we relate to the world.

If Christ truly gives us peace in our hearts, it shows in how we live, how we treat others, and how we stick together as Jesus’ followers. When we do this, we’re like walking, talking examples of Jesus’ peace to everyone else. Words, meet our actions.

This peace only comes from fully grasping in our hearts what Jesus did for us — dying on the cross to take care of our sins and then beating death so we can have hope for the future. Because of Him, we know we’re loved, saved, and forgiven. That’s the kind of peace that changes everything — how we live, how we handle challenges, and how we see our future. It all comes back to Jesus’ love and what He did for us.

So…May the peace of Christ truly be with you, now and always, guiding you, comforting you, and uniting us all as one body in Him.