Devotion 11/30, Be a Channel for His Peace

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.
1 Corinthians 1:4-5

There is a great lesson for us in this, especially when we get together with family or friends. Even though there may be problems in the lives of some of our close relationships, look for something in them to be thankful for and focus on that for the time that you are together with them. It doesn’t mean that you condone all of their behavior, but that you love them with the love of Christ! You may say, “Well you don’t know my family!” No, I may not, but God does and He gave you the family you have on purpose, so be a light of Christ to them by being kind towards them and if they treat you poorly do as Romans 12:21 states and overcome evil with good. God will bless you for obeying Him!
One of the apostle Paul’s finest traits was that he always found something to be thankful for in the people he interacted with. The church at Corinth had major problems, and as you go on and read the entire book, he addresses those problems head on. But first he starts out by being thankful for the little he can be thankful for in them, which has nothing to do with them really, but with God who has given them grace.
The Christians in Corinth were not what we would call “godly” Christians, but Paul still had a great love for them and desired for them to return to the truth and use the gifts God had given them for His glory.

Paul is writing one of the most problematic churches and yet finds reasons to give thanks for them. He is thankful for them because Jesus died for them. When God extends his grace to others, how can we not do the same? He recognizes the areas of their abuse are also a reason to give thanks — they may have distorted it, but when reigned in to honor God, these gifts could bless their church. Even though he has tough words to follow, Paul’s example reminds us that a child of God is something to be cherished, even if that child has problems.

Father, give me the heart to see reasons to be thankful for all of your children. I confess that it is often so easy for me to view others based on how they view me, share my theological opinions, or how much trouble they cause me. Forgive me, for I know if you had done the same with me, I would have never been one of your children. Please help me rejoice in your children. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Lord, I pray for strength through the Holy Spirit to be a channel for Your peace. How I say what I say, how I live my life, may they be examples of your Word and a Christ-like life. Your presence gives me a peace and comfort that I seek to share with others, no matter their lot in life. I pray for Your comfort for those that are consumed with worry, illness or despair. I pray for Your peace to overwhelm the hate and bitterness in some hearts. Your blessings of comfort and peace can heal the soul. Thank you. I give You thanks for my family and friends. I ask You for their protection, comfort, healing and peace in You and your Word. All this I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.