Practising Peace in Life

 

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:5-14 ESV).

 

Tucked away just around the corner from the Donut Friar (my place) in The Village at Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a little store that features the brand “Life Is Good” (Mary’s place). As you may be able to see in the picture I’ve attached, Mary is shopping for a few new T-shirts from their selection. The Life Is Good Company is an American apparel and accessories wholesaler, retailer, and lifestyle brand founded in 1994 and best known for its optimistic T-shirts and hats, many of which feature a smiling stick figure named Jake and the registered trademark "Life is good."

 

The Life Is Good brand focuses on activities and images reflecting the concept of peaceful living. They use images of hiking, cycling, camping, and other things that are usually associated with good feelings. All of these things can bring temporary feelings of peace. However, as we see from the Apostle Paul in our reading today, he ends with four commands on how the believers should treat one another. Be restored, be encouraged, be of one mind, and be at peace. These are the things that bring peace in our lives.

 

Often, we settle for living with broken relationships. We get frustrated with others and vow to keep them at arm’s length. Sometimes we talk more about someone than to their face. God calls us to strive for full restoration with one another. There may be times when full restoration is not possible. The other party may be unwilling to move toward restoration. In Romans 12:18 Paul writes, “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We are not told that we need to make others live at peace with us. The only behavior we can control is our own.

 

Of course we can make the effort to reconcile relationships rather than let them fall apart. We can make a call, drop a note, or make an effort to talk about the strain in the relationship. Even though others may not reciprocate, at least we will know we have tried. But sometimes we will be surprised by a person’s response. Making an effort to reconcile may bring unanticipated healing. It can be a moment in which everyone experiences God’s grace. Life is good in Christ… live at peace!