Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – (Ephesians 4:3, NIV)
You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together. – (Ephesians 4:3, ERV)
Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together. – (Ephesians 4:3, VOICE)
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of life for my father-in-law with my husband, sister-in-law, her husband, and my brother-in-law. Incredibly, despite the eclectic collection of family brought together by loss, there was a sense of peace in the room, despite normal tensions between some of the various family members. Everyone seemed to set aside their differences for the sake of celebrating their eldest sibling/uncle. Stories were shared around tables, and much laughter filled the room. I think Donald would have been pleased to see smiling faces, rather than tears, and delighted at the distance that so many traveled to gather in his honor. The sentiment that Mark, his brother and I walked away with, was gratitude. We were thankful for the opportunity to see the aunts, uncles and cousins all together in one place, and to have had a positive and peaceful gathering together with family.
Each chance that we get,
6/7 of the remaining siblings in top photo. Their children in photo below.
Rise up and choose peace;
Preserve what God gives,
Allow grace release.
A spirit of peace,
Invites others in;
Broadens your circle,
It’s how grace begins.
Go forth in God’s grace,
Sow always, His peace;
Let God’s love be known,
For it shall not cease.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that grants us peace in places it seems unlikely. Thank You for empowering us with Your Spirit to extend peace wherever we go. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected our role as purveyors of peace. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You to go before us, walk beside us, and dwell within us in peace. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote Your peace wherever we go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rise up and share Your peace wherever we go. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11
Revelations In Writing 