Today’s blog is an encouraging prayer by Scotty Smith, pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN and contributor to the Gospel Coalition.

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/scottysmith/2016/12/27/the-peace-of-jesus-ruling-in-our-relationships/

 

The Peace of Jesus Ruling in Our Relationships

Dec 27, 2016 | Scotty Smith

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated usEph. 2:14

And he [Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the FatherEph. 2:17-18 

Lord Jesus, this Scripture is humbling and gladdening. You entered our world at Bethlehem heading for Calvary. As this Scripture affirms, Christmas reveals you as the ultimate Peace-preacher and Peacemaker—uniting opposites and enemies. Thank you for being the hostility-destroying, enemy-reconciling, relationship-healing Savior.

First and foremost, we bless you for securing us in an intimate and unbreakable relationship with God. Because of your finished work, we no longer live with fear and doubt about what God thinks about us. Not only do we presently enjoy full access to our Father, but also live in his perpetual favor, great delight, and constant pursuit. Even when he must discipline us, our Father does so with a heart of love, never disgust or aggravation. There’s no peace like peace with God.

Though we sometimes offer you resistance, we’re also grateful you actively work to bring peace in a wide array of broken relationships. You’re committed to destroying all kinds of hostilities and reconciling all kinds of people—in our families and friendships, churches and communities—even with our enemies. Forgive us when we choose resentment over reconciliation, nursing grudges over building bridges, and rehearsing our hurts quicker than we remember the gospel.

Glorious Prince of Peace, one Day you’ll reconcile wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, calves and lions. Until that Day, give us the desire, humility, and power to live as a people of peace. For your glory and by your grace, free us to live as agents of your reconciling love. Life is too short to get mad and stay away. Melt our hearts; heal our relationships; give us joy. So very Amen we pray, Lord Jesus, in your peerless and peace-full name.