Peace With Others

Once a person knows that God has forgiven and accepted him and will keep him right to the end of his life and then receive him into heaven to be with his Lord forever, he can enjoy peace with himself (if God has forgiven you, you have to forgive yourself!), and he can also be at peace with his situation. This will lead to peace with his fellow men. The deepest cause of tension between people is their own inner lack of peace. We denigrate and crush others because we feel insecure and discontented ourselves. When Jesus gives peace within, our attitude to others changes completely.

In His Presence, JI Packer

Jesus and Friendship

When Jesus talked to his disciples, he didn't give long discourses on friendship. He demonstrated friendship by being available, compassionate, self - sacrificing, and tender. His chosen friends responded! Yes, he called them to accountability; He rebuked them when they were wrong. But when He was finished, they still felt cherished by him. What a picture - another of His gifts to us - to be treasured, to be emulated.

We need not set out in search of a friend. Rather, we must simply set out to be the friend Christ modeled - anticipating the needs of others, wearing ourselves out at giving. Jesus dies doing it. The rewards are infinite and joyous!

A Gentle Spirit, September 28