Let the Peace of Christ Rule in your Hearts

Let’s quickly review from where we have come so far in Colossians chapter 3.

Verses 1-3 reveal the change that has taken place in our lives since we have ‘been risen with Christ’, or because of our salvation.

Verses 5-9 lists old dirty ‘clothing’ from our past lives that should have been taken off and destroyed- (But, for some reason, we always manage to hold on to one or two of those ugly outfits).

Verses 10-14 lists what instead should be ‘put on’ -and topped off with the final accessory –love!

So I wonder, have you muttered the following comment to yourself while studying this section with us, “Yea, but it’s hard!”?

Well, in verses 15 and 16 Paul provides two pieces of advice as to how to put on these outfits and keep them on! Number one, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” and number two, “Let the word of God dwell in you richly…”  

Let’s look at the first one today.

Throughout Colossians chapter 3, Paul is saying, you are now a new person in Christ, you’ve put the past actions and attitudes behind you, you’ve put on new, godly actions and attitudes, and you have ‘accessorized’ them with Christ-like love.  Now sit back and enjoy your new found life and allow the peace of Christ to rule! This peace refers to spiritual tranquility, both within one’s self and with one another. 

To rule has the idea of an umpire. It is the same word the Greeks used in reference to the umpires of the Greek games of their day. The goal of peace should become the deciding factor in the matter of conflict with others. If we wear the ‘outfits’ from verses 12-14 and love as we are commanded at the end of verse 14, peace will rule in our hearts personally, and peace will rule in our relationships with others. 

This reminds of a saying a dear friend often says, “Lord, put one hand on my shoulder (peace) and one the other one over my mouth (umpire). If we allow the peace of Christ to be the umpire in our difficult situations, peace will reign victoriously, and we will continue to look lovely in our new ‘outfits’!

(Resources: The Expositor's Bible Commentary and The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Peace to each of you!

Debbie