Reflection on 2 Peter 3:13-15a

This is a reflection on 2 Peter 3:13-15a given on February 9, 2019.

As I reflected on today’s reading, one word jumped out at me: peace.  Peace is a topic that is quite relevant today.  Look at the world around us.  There are so many divisions among us: conservative versus progressive, rural versus urban, rich versus poor.  The news is filled with stories of how we disagree with each other.  And consider social media.  There is so much anger, self-righteousness, intolerance, and trolling.   From every direction it seems the message of the world is that conflict is the norm.

          But what does Jesus teach us?  In John 14:27 Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  The peace Jesus gives us is not the peace of the world, for the things of the world can never provide us peace.  Worldly things can never satisfy that longing in our hearts that only God can fill.  Only by seeking the peace that Jesus provides can our hearts be satisfied.

          But how do we find this peace?  It begins with prayer.  We need to take the time to quiet ourselves and allow ourselves to be in God’s presence.  We need to not only pour out our hearts to God, but to listen as well to what God is saying to us.  We need to reflect on how God works in our lives to guide us in building God’s Kingdom on earth.  We need to place all our trust in God that God will guide us and provide for our needs.

          The fruits of this trust and peace is joy.  By resting in God’s peace, we’ll be able to find joy in our lives even in the midst of difficulty.  This joy and peace radiates from us and can be a light to others.  When others see you at peace despite all the division and conflict in the world, they will be drawn to this peace and ask you how this is.  If so, take the opportunity tell them that the source is faith in Jesus.  Sow a seed that may grow and lead someone to God through your witness.  What better way to guide others to Christ than by offering God’s peace?