January 10: Let the Peace of Christ Rule your Heart
The soul is at peace when it is firmly established in the love of God and neighbor. Gregory the Great
Gregg’s Reflection
When I began my spiritual journey, what I most longed for was peace. My heart was divided—driven to succeed in business while battling the inner voice that whispered, Not good enough. The striving never ended, and my soul remained troubled. Slowly, through the steady disciplines of worship, study, fellowship with older believers, and especially time in meditation, something shifted. I came to see that salvation is by grace through faith, and that imperfection is the natural state of humans.
I had believed the lie that it was my job to earn God’s love, but the truth is far better: God does not love me because I am good; God loves me because God is good. When that truth finally took root, peace began to dawn in my heart. It did not mean my life became free of trouble, but the inner turbulence eased. I began to live from a center that was secure in Christ.
Let’s end with these thoughts from the Renovare Bible:
Often charisma outruns character. The danger is our gifts will take us to places where our character cannot keep us. We will reap what we sow. If we insist on replacing God with the idols of wealth, pleasure or fame, then, we can expect to experience discontent with our spiritual life, dysfunction in our family life, and disharmony in our public life.
The only wise course is to put God first, loving Him with all our heart, all our soul, all of our mind, and all of our strength. (Deut 6:5, Mark 12:30)
RENOVARE Bible notes on Galatians 2:10
Scripture
The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Ancient Quotes
Peace is the tranquility of order—the serenity of mind, the gentleness of soul, the simplicity of heart, the bond of love.
Augustine, City of God, Book XIX, Chapter 13
The soul is at peace when it is firmly established in the love of God and neighbor. For when charity reigns within, the storms of the heart are stilled.
Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job, Book VI, §35
Modern Quotes
God does not love me because I am good, God loves me because God is good.
Richard Rohr
Journaling Prompts
- Where do you most need Christ’s peace today?
- How do you notice when peace is present—and when it’s absent?
- What is one way you can invite that peace into your relationships this week?
- What has to happen in your life to truly believe you are the Beloved of God, and to usher the peace of Christ into your heart?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 2 reflection: Bearing Fruit/Gifts of the Spirit