Colossians 3:15 (NIV ’84)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

The Jewish word shalom more accurately describes what this “peace of Christ” is all about. It is not just the absence of conflict, but also the presence of a type of wholeness and well-being. The peace that Jesus gives us brings a type of calmness into our lives knowing that all is well between us and our Maker…and that “all is well” has become possible in our relationships with each other.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case, especially at home. The reason why is staring us right in the face in today’s passage: this “peace of Christ” is not “ruling” in our hearts. In the original Greek language, the word “rule” painted the picture of an umpire deciding the results of an athletic contest. Accordingly, the peace of Christ should be playing “umpire” in our hearts as we decide how to treat each other. That peace of Christ wants to lead us to bless rather than curse…to serve others rather than ourselves…and to hold our tongue when we really want to say something mean and hurtful.

Once again, God gives us a choice. We can either let that peace rule in our hearts, or we can reject its advice. If we let it “umpire” over us, our family life will flourish. If we don’t, it will suffer.

APPLICATION: Come up with some examples of when Christ is trying to “umpire” in your hearts as you deal with each other at home. What is the “right call” and what is the wrong one? Pray and ask God to help all of you let Christ rule in your hearts.