2Co 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
I find this to be an interesting scripture in light of Jesus words in John 14:27 :"my peace I leave you, my peace I give you." Can't we simply call for peace and have it come to us?
What Paul is saying, however, is somewhat progressive. First he tell us to be fully restored-to be complete and perfected in the knowledge and life of Christ. Following this he calls for encouragement (building up and strengthening the Body) and unity in Christ. This unity cannot come about without being in agreement in doctrine and having great love, patience and grace toward the other members of the Body.
Paul then gives the command to live in peace! How many of us look for peace and feel it has drifted away and we cannot find it? Here we are commanded to actively live peaceably: make the choice to put aside those things which create havoc and bring stress in relationships and life in general. This is the peace Jesus left us!
After all this Paul says that the "God of love and peace will be with you (accompany and participate)." If you want to draw the presence of God, cultivate and pursue peace! Peace is the fruit of righteousness-it comes as a result of actively living the righteous life of God as Paul directed: restoration, encouragement and unity.
All for His glory-the fruit of righteousness is peace!
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