And he [Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Eph. 2:17-18 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, this Scripture is so encouraging and hope fueling. By your life, death and resurrection, you have become the ultimate Peacemaker; and now, you ever live to preach peace to our hearts through the gospel. We praise you for being the hostility-destroying, enemy-reconciling, relationship-healing Savior.
First and foremost, we bless you for securing us in a perfect relationship with God. Because of your finished work, we no longer live with fear and doubt about what God thinks about us. Not only do we now enjoy unbroken access to our Father, but also we are assured of his great delight, perpetual rejoicing, and constant pursuit of us. Even when he must discipline us, our Father does so with a heart of love, not disgust or aggravation. There is no peace like peace with God.
Though we sometimes offer you resistance, we’re also grateful that you preach peace to us as those who participate in a wide array of broken relationships. You’re committed to destroying all kinds of hostilities and reconciling all kinds of people—in the body of Christ, in our families, in our communities—even with our enemies. Forgive us when we choose resentment over reconciliation; nursing grudges over building bridges; and rehearsing our hurts quicker than we remember the gospel.
Glorious Prince of Peace, one Day you will reconcile wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, calves and lions. Until that Day, give us the desire, humility, and power to live as a people of peace. For your glory, and by your grace, free us to live as agents of your reconciling love. Life is just too short to get and stay mad. Melt our hearts; heal our relationships. So very Amen we pray, in your peerless and peace-full name.