Love Is Peace

Nothing can steal your peace like an argument, a fight, or any relationship problem. Sitting and stewing about what others have said and done is not even close to peaceful. That’s why love is so closely tied to your peace. So, it’s a good thing love is a decision, or we’d all be in trouble!

If you’ve been making great strides in your faith—spending time in God’s Word, standing on His promises, and confessing His truth over your life, Satan will take notice. He’s going to try and take that from you; after all, he comes to steal, kill and destroy. 

How? He’ll use circumstances, and he will also use people. He knows people have a way of really throwing a wrench in our day, our peace, and our joy. If he can send someone to ruffle your feathers and throw you off course—he will. Your job is to not take the bait.

Strife is the enemy of peace. Unforgiveness is venom to a contented life. The antidote? 

Walking in love.

Here’s the challenging part: How can you love others—even when they don’t deserve it?

First Corinthians 13 (see today’s reading) is a great place to start. Try working through each characteristic mentioned in these verses one at a time. Start with “Love is patient” (verse 4). Ask God to help you be patient with those around you. Spend the week meditating and focusing on patience. It’s all right if you mess up along the way—you can ask for supernatural help! 

When you focus on loving others through patience, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you begin to change. Then, move to “love is kind” the next week. One by one, move through each one until you’ve renewed your mind to walking in love. While others will enjoy the new you, you’ll benefit the most!

This will be well worth the effort because you are not going to have peace in your life without that foundation of love. Peace is built upon love and joy. Galatians 5:22-23 says that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When you were born again, these fruits were put inside you, but you have to make the decision to grow them and let them out.

Walking in love is a decision. It’s a decision that will bring you great peace. You decide.