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Speak with the quiet strength of Jesus
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Fourth Day of Christmas
Colossians 3:15-16
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.
Jesus made it clear more than once. “Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth.” What Jesus brings instead is himself. But God on earth is not welcomed by everyone. To the extent that all of us are victims of hubris and claim too much of the godhead for ourselves, none of us welcome Jesus.
But he continues to be patient while we find our way to God, through our own great love and great suffering. And when we do, we truly have something to share. Most of us find words at times to share our experience, however incompletely, with others.
Peter wants me to share my story with “gentleness and respect.” Paul expects me to recognize and claim the peace of God which passes understanding, and to let it dwell in me “richly” before I speak it out to others. Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
When I keep quiet for a time, keeping peace about my experience with God, then the words I have are simple overflow from being loved. I have read that 90% of communication is non-verbal, and I am sure that’s true. When I want to share God’s love, the clarity of my gaze and the desire I have to listen speak far more loudly than anything I say.
But Jesus eventually calls me to speak, even if I don’t know whether his presence in my words will bring peace or a sword. When I wait to speak until I know his presence well, then it doesn’t matter. The result will always be an expression of God’s love.
Put a hedge around me, Lord, when I want to speak, so I won’t speak too quickly or too strongly. Let me see myself and others as you see us. We are weak and you are strong. When you speak, let us listen. We are like beggars with small crusts of bread, now and then with a chance to share.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1323
