True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
15. True wisdom seeks and makes peace.
Colossians 1:17-23; Titus 3:1-11
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. (Colossians 1:19-22)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)
Study it Out
- Why is peace with God and others possible according to Colossians 1? Why is it so important to begin with the Gospel when considering the topic of peace both internal and external?
- Does seeking or making peace mean ignoring sin or avoiding difficult conversations? How does the message of the Gospel dispel this false view of peace-making?
- How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Remember back to our previous study on obedience to the Word beginning in the mind. What are we at war against, and how does belief in Christ’s victory over sin help us in this battle? How does gratitude play a part?