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REFLECTION

God of peace and our practice is the theme for our reflection. Peace is experiencing harmony and holistic well-being through one’s salvation and relationship with God. Practice is the actual application or use of an idea, belief or method. As part of Paul’s concluding words in his letter to the Philippian Christians, he encourages them to think of some important Christian virtues and follow his examples by practising that which they have leant, received and seen in him as an Apostle or servant of God and then the God of peace will be with them. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Dear friend in the Lord if we desire the peace of God in our lives then we must not only be hearers of the Word but be doers of the Word. We must practice what we preach and learn from the Scripture. Paul understands that for harmony to exist among Christians and for the peace of God to be felt, we, first of all, fill our minds with that which is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. Secondly, when our minds are filled with godly virtues which are the same virtues found in Paul since he became a believer and an Apostle of Christ, we practice these virtues! We must do or practice what is true, honourable, just, pure lovely and commendable as a manifestation of our faith and transformation in Jesus Christ. Indeed, a society that pursues godliness by practising virtues that are true, honourable, just and commendable will experience the peace of God. It is important to mention that Paul is not asking Philippian Christians to merely copy his human nature or behaviour but he invites them to practice and live by the image of Christ that is manifesting in His life. It is for this purpose Paul wrote that “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Truly, it is only in Christ that we find that which is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. Beloved in the Lord, if we wish to experience the God of peace and live at peace with all then we must endeavour to possess the Christ-like virtues of practising whatever is true in the Gospel, honourable of a believer, just in all circumstances, pure in the sight of God and commendable by both believers and unbelievers. We must live at peace with all in our homes, at our churches, in our relationships and societies by always asking the following practical questions: Does my speech or action reflect the true nature of Christ in me? Does it honour God and my new nature in Christ? Is it fair or just to the other person? Does it reflect my purity as a believer and is it commendable in the sight of others? Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Holy Spirit, enable us to experience the peace of God in our lives by practising whatever is true, honourable, just, pure and commendable in the Word of God so that we can live in peace and harmony with all. Amen.