by Heidi Scott

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Stand firm then . . . with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

—Ephesians 6:14, 15

The moment we accept the gift of Jesus we have access to complete peace. This undeserved and unexplainable peace deepens in us as we walk in faith, yet there are times when we do not feel at peace. Jesus understands our human default towards anxiousness, and He is gentle with us when we falter. What compassion! What love! We can fully trust, fully rest, and fully surrender because He is our peace.

God accepted us at our worst. He saw our most despicable moments—our wretched thoughts and wounding words—yet the invitation to go deeper with Him remains. He extends and expands this same welcome to all peoples and nations—a peace-bringing welcome that comes only from the Prince of Peace.

In the same way, we are called to invite others to follow Him, including those who are different, whether culturally, politically, or socially. Often that feels stretching, uncomfortable, and sometimes just plain hard. But the same welcome He gave to you and me is the kind of self-sacrificing, comfort-sacrificing, power-sacrificing love we are called to give others.

So, light the candle of peace and remember, peace for all is here, with us and for us. Jesus is the only source of true and lasting peace that spills into every dark, troubled, and broken corner. We get to be light carriers that radiate peace. All of Jesus for All the World! Think of someone you know who is different, difficult, or even divisive. Ask God how you can demonstrate peace to them, offering them the same grace and welcome He gave to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the real peace that can only be found in relationship with You. Fill me to overflowing! As the candle of peace shines light into dark spaces, use me to shine Your light to those who have no peace. Amen.