Read John 14:15-27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27a)
There’s a difference between the peace that Jesus gives and what the world offers. The world wants to sell us stress-relief gummies, aromatherapy, or getting behind the wheel of a Lincoln. Those things might distract us temporarily, but what consistently works for me is my life verse, Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
I interpret righteousness to mean “right relationships.” Since my #1 relationship is with Jesus, first, I must get right with Jesus, who purifies my conscience.
Because Jesus helps me feel better about myself, the second thing, as a beloved child of God, is my relationship with myself. I must take care of myself physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Then the third relationship naturally falls into place and that’s all about the other people in my life. I must get right with others as far as I am able.
Joy arrives! A calming joy, deep in my core, despite outward circumstances. In brief: to maintain the peace that Jesus gives, we must nourish our relationships with God + self + others. Joy follows. Joy in the Holy Spirit is the consequence of these three right relationships.
The Kingdom of God = Righteousness → Peace → Joy in the Holy Spirit!
A lack of joy is a signal that I’ve lost my peace and it’s time to re-examine my relationships with God + self + others. Just fix it! Peace returns. As I remain in that peace, gradually, joy in the Holy Spirit resumes. That’s kingdom living!
For Personal Reflection: Can I confidently say I am right with God? Am I taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and mentally? Have I done my best to make things right with others as far as I am able?
by Diana Otterbacher
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