“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Peace is such a hard thing to find these days. In the seemingly everyday calamity of life, where is the calm and where are the assured things? Well, Paul says letting this peace rule in your heart is the last step in putting on the new self, but there seems to be a somewhat implied part of this ruling. While, yes, it is possible that we let other things rule in our hearts (isn’t that often so easy to do?), it seems like this peace that Paul says will rule in our hearts is just an instinctive part of it.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
It surpasses all understanding. We don’t understand why it reigns or the depth of its reach, but we can feel it on inexplicable times, sometimes more than others. But it’s there. But, to put on the new self, Paul says we must let that peace rule in our hearts over anything else in your hearts. And the protection, joy, and well-being it brings should evoke a response of thankfulness. So, what reigns in your heart that you can’t seem to let go?
cf. Matt 6:19-21, :24 & :33, Rom 8:5, Prov 3:5-6
