Ever say, “I sure hope God will be with me.” Maybe you have just needed God for some special event or occasion and wondered how can I make sure He is there? You know He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but the scripture gives us a promise of His ‘being with us in love and peace’ in 2 Corinthians 13:11. “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: REJOICE. CHANGE YOUR WAYS. ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE. THEN: The God of love and peace will be with you.”
I have become so aware that practically every promise in scripture has a contingency clause. God promises He will if you will. Here the Bible admonishes you with four imperatives followed with a promise. The promise that the God of love and peace will be with you indicates the presence of God in a positive encouraging and uplifting way in your life.
What are those imperatives? First, He tells us to rejoice. Often in scripture you are told to rejoice, even if things are not going well. Second, He says to change your ways. There is obviously a link between your lack of sensing God’s love and peace and your unwillingness to change some things in your life. Third, He directs you to encourage others. Amazing how the love and peace of God comes as we focus on others rather than ourselves. Unselfish people experience God’s love and peace. Fourth, He desires that you live in harmony and peace. When we are at peace with family, friends and even our enemies there is a love and peace that passes understanding. Good counsel for the day: follow the four factors that produce the experience of God’s love and peace.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
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