| NASB | NLT | VOICE |
| 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! | 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. | 16 And now, dear friends, may the Lord of peace Himself grace you with peace always and in everything. May the Lord be present with all of you. |
Paul calls Jesus as the divine authority and source of true peace. The peace that Christ offers is different than what the world does. This peace comes from our reconciliation with God through Christ’s death and resurrection. This peace is a gift from God. It goes beyond our understanding and is a fruit of the spirit. It involves an inner calm and a tranquil relationship with others.
Historically, the Thessalonian church faced pressures inside and out, making this promise of everlasting peace relevant. It’s a reminder that God is always present and powerful, able to keep us safe in all trials. The promise that God is always present should bring us strength, guidance, and comfort. We are never alone. This is a reminder for both our personal life and for our lives within the church.
REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Have you ever felt alone in your trials? How does that make you feel?
We should pray for peace in our lives and those around us. Peace is not something that everyone finds easily today. A lot of people live in a way that anxiety, trials, stress, and panic are a main part of their lives. It can cause their reactions to others to feel attacking and frustrated. They can take their frustrations of life out on those either intentionally or unintentionally.
When we can pray for peace for them, we are asking for God to give them strength in their trials. To be able to give someone the strength to get through their troubles and stressors is something that means the world. You are asking God to extend that same gift you received to those that are in need. With that, you are also showing them compassion and love. You are showing up for someone that needs your presence. Through prayer, God also will share His strength with you to help say the right thing, listen for as much as they need to talk, and to be able do whatever is needed for them to get through those trials. You became a true representation of God in that moment.
REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How can you be a representative of God to those in need?
Praise God for his gift of peace. To be able to receive the gift of peace in all circumstances is something that we will never recognize we need until then.
Read Matthew 28:20
Ask God how you can share that peace with others. Helping others out with your time, talents, and treasures are the best start.
You are given more strength than you can imagine. Take some time to rest and reflect on God’s peace within yourself and see where that carries you.
Next slice of manna: The Heart’s True Calling || Proverbs 12:20 || Manna for the Mind #342
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