Peace of Christ, Jesus' gift to His disciples before His death on the cross.
Understanding that peace is something we all desire but find elusive, Paul said Christ's peace is beyond our comprehension. Yet, Jesus said "My peace I give unto you!" It was His because He had experienced it, tested it, enjoyed it and found it to be effective in His own life.
We cannot truly have peace apart from God, but people try drugs, alcohol, meditation, exercise, tranquilizers, etc. seeking something to give them peace. Nothing works until we submit ourselves to God and receive His gift.
Jesus not only had peace on the outside, but peace within as well. No inner conflict, hatred or jealousy existed in Him. He knew people disliked Him, but the peace within allowed Him to have compassion on them even when they nailed Him to the cross.
This peace was personal with Jesus and He wants it to be personal with us. How do we do grasp this elusive gift? Jesus answered that question when He said, "Not as the world gives, do I give to you."
There are four ways Jesus' peace differs from the world's peace.
1) Atonement, not Attainment
2) Commitment, not Compromise
3) Concern, not Indifference
4) Lasting, not Temporary
Jesus did not say we would not have trouble, but our heart was to be neither troubled nor afraid. The peace which Christ provides is not a peace of inaction, resignation and gloom, but of action, hope and joy.
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