“Make Jesus the source of all ongoing relational peace. Christ is your loving legacy of peace!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 22, 2021
Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27, AMPC
What does it mean to leave a legacy? From Noah Websters 1826 Dictionary, Legacy means, “A bequest; a particular thing, or certain sum of money given by last will or testament”. So, to leave a legacy is to leave behind after our death, something we are remembered by—good or bad. And, whether we embrace it or not, everyone leaves a legacy: money, assets or debt. The most impactful is a legacy that bequeaths a family culture with values and a belief system that either separates or brings together family members left behind after a loved one’s graduation to be with the Lord. A legacy of relational peace is priceless to those who remain to love and be loved.
Jesus left His followers a loving legacy: peace. As He explains, His peace transcends the troubles of this world. A peace that continually connects His disciples to the love of His heavenly Father and a peace that facilitates the love His followers have for one another. In Christ’s verbal will and testament, peace is inscribed in the bold red ink of His blood-stained love on the looming cross. In this time of fear, His peace is a caring, comforting word. Capricious and insolent actions trap a troubled heart, but stability and security set free a heart at peace. Jesus gives peace.
“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world” (John 16:33, TPT).
There is a process involved in leaving a legacy of relational peace for your family and friends. The sooner you start living out the life of Christ in loving deeds and clearly defined values and beliefs, the better the probability of your children living peaceful lives with one another. Bequeathing a legacy of wealth without any training or experience will erupt in relational turmoil. A lazy legacy leaves behind relational heartache, while an intentional legacy of love sets up heirs with hearts open to relational peace. What is your plan for a legacy of love and peace?
A good place to start is modeling and teaching generosity. Don’t take for granted that your children will be generous in the future—help them be generous in the present. Discuss how they can help you decide wise ways to support your church and ministries that are aligned with your passions. Have ongoing conversation on the values and beliefs you esteem—those environments that facilitate a relational culture of peace and love. For example, you respect each other by discussing differences, collaborating on solutions and supporting each other, regardless of the outcomes. In our family, my wife Rita and I have noticed, if we honor each other with love and respect, and celebrate peaceful results—our children tend to do the same. Authentic peace in your marriage relationship tends to build trust and peaceful fruit in other relationships. Above all else, make Jesus the source of all ongoing relational peace. Christ is your loving legacy of peace!
“The peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, Phillips).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I receive your peace to settle my heart and give me the courage to bring healing and relational peace to others, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Begin conversations with your family and friends on the legacy of peace and love the Lord would have you to plan and pray about.
Related Reading
Isaiah 57:20,21, 66:12; Hebrews 13:20; Romans 5:1
Worship Resource
Bethel Music feat. We The Kingdom: Peace
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