When I was in the First grade, I thought, “If I only had some Converse low tops, white with a red stripes, then I would be the fastest kid on the playground.” The shoes were so cool, and only the fastest kids had them. I remember when my mom gave in and allowed me to purchase a pair. I wore them at the end of the year race. It was a warm and sunny day - a great day for a race that is if you have the right shoes. Forty kids all lined up. The race was not long. We were to run out to the center of the playground, around a pole, and then race to the finish line. We lined up, I could feel my heart beating, and then the principal yelled, “Go!” I had a good start. All I wanted was to be first (who doesn’t?). I was so convinced that my shoes made a difference and nothing was going to stop me from winning. I was one of the first ones to make it to the pole, now for the sprint to the finish. There was only one other kid just slightly ahead of me. I pushed hard making my legs and arms work. In the end, I came in second, but I was still thrilled to have done so well!
So many times, I hear others, and even feel it myself, say if only I had this or that, then I could have peace. There are times in life when the peace we feel is based simply upon our own ignorance. However, when we become aware of the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible without the intervention of Christ. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you…” He is able to create this peace within a person, when that person embraces His righteousness. Peace is so often confused with Truce. Truce making stops the fighting, but does nothing to address the real issues at hand. The only way to have true peace is to yield to God and acknowledge our desperate need for Him. So often when we are in turmoil, we wring our hands, worry, and fret about what we to do. All the while, the God of peace waits for us to seek after Him. I think this is the very reason troubles come into our lives. God promises to comfort us in our troubles, then asks us to share that comfort with others. In 2 Corinthians 1:2-4, Paul praises God for His mercy and comfort, and also moves us to use that experience to comfort others. It is always good to remember that we cannot give away what we do not possess. We are to pass on what God gives to us. We do not receive as an end in itself, but as a means to an end. We are to empower others with the power God gives us. I believe that there are at least six gifts we can offer to others in an effort to share our comfort with them:
1. The gift of Accountability: Helping others keep their commitments to God (especially through difficult trials and troubles).
2. The gift of Affirmation: Speaking words of support and encouragement (not a Pollyanna outlook, but sincere compassion and empathy).
3. The gift of Advice: When sought by the person in trouble words of wise counsel and direction can be a soothing balm.
4. The gift of Admonishment: Offering words of caution, rebuke, or correction.
5. The gift of Assets: Sharing tangible resources to help others.
6. The gift of Acceptance: Providing unconditional love, regardless of the recipients’ identity.
May you know and share the peace of God with those around you. Thanks for reading!
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