What does "good news of peace" mean for your daily interactions with others? Verse in Focus “and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15) What the “Good News of Peace” Is • “Gospel” literally means “good news”; here it is the good news that God has made peace with sinners through Christ’s cross (Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20). • This peace is first vertical—between God and us—then horizontal—between us and others (Ephesians 2:14-17). • Because Scripture is true in every detail, we can rely on this peace as an objective reality, not a vague feeling. Why Peace Matters to God • Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news… who proclaim peace.” • Romans 12:18: “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” • Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness.” God consistently links peace with holiness and witness; peaceable relationships testify that His reconciling work is real. How This Shapes Daily Interactions • Start every morning remembering you are at peace with God; let gratitude replace defensiveness. • Speak words that heal rather than inflame (Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse to keep score of wrongs; Christ paid your debt, so release others’ (Colossians 3:13). • Be quick to initiate reconciliation; the “readiness” of the gospel means you don’t wait for the other person (Matthew 5:23-24). • Show hospitality—peace is visible when you open your home and schedule (1 Peter 4:9). • Pray for those who oppose you; intercession turns enemies into mission fields (Matthew 5:44). • Share the gospel itself; true peace in relationships ultimately rests on others finding peace with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Putting On the Shoes: Step-by-Step 1. Confess any current relational tension to the Lord. 2. Thank Him aloud for the blood-bought peace you already possess. 3. Ask for the Spirit’s help to approach the person with humility and truth. 4. Choose one concrete act—an apology, a kind text, a meal invite—to demonstrate peace. 5. Keep your “shoes” on all day by meditating on key verses (suggest Ephesians 4:3; James 3:17-18). Possible Roadblocks and God’s Provision • If the other party resists, remember Romans 12:18: your call is to pursue peace, not control outcomes. • When old hurts resurface, stand on Philippians 4:7—God’s peace will guard your heart and mind. • When culture normalizes outrage, recall John 16:33: Christ has “overcome the world,” so His peace remains unshaken. Living It Out Every conversation, conflict, or casual encounter becomes an opportunity to lace up the “good news of peace,” displaying the reality of Christ’s reconciling work and inviting others to experience it for themselves. |
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