02.08.12 “The peace of the Spirit”
Scripture Reading: John 14:25-27
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
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Reflection Questions
The chaos, confusion and fear that the disciples would face in the days ahead would be elevated by the absence of Jesus. The one who they had given their lives to following would soon be gone, but the promise Jesus offers in these words is significant. The absence of Jesus would lead to the presence of God’s spirit. Their isolation would be temporary. The “Counselor” would come.
- After sharing the promise of the spirit being sent to the disciples by the Father, Jesus reminds the disciples of the gift he would leave behind with them. What connection do you see between God’s spirit working in your life and Jesus’ words, “Peace, I leave with you.”
- We often turn to control when our circumstances or relationships seem “unsettled.” What part does peace play in helping us surrender control? How does the spirit bring peace in your life?
Weekly Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.