The Golden Nugget:  Peace is active, not passive. That means you have a part in practicing peace.

Weekly Verse: “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” —Acts 10:36

Weekly Message: 
The problem with peace is that it doesn’t just happen. You can’t wish into being. You can’t hope enough to make it happen. Peace is active, not passive. That means you have a part in practicing peace—especially when it seems to be absent. 

Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Being a peacemaker requires your commitment to practice peace everywhere you go.

Former First Lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt believed, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” Work at peace in the places that don’t believe in peace. This is exactly what Jesus taught and exemplified in his life. In his final weeks, Jesus greeted everyone by imparting peace into the encounter. It was a peace freely given with forgiveness. 

Jesus is greeting you. With his greeting comes the power of his peace to overcome the messiness of life. With Jesus peace is possible.

Consider This:

• When are you most at peace?
• What do you need in order to be a peacemaker everywhere you go?

Take Action:
For the next week, end every conversation with, “Peace be with you.”