In Ephesians 2:13-18, Paul reminds us that restorative peace breaks down the barriers between people and God, as well as between fellow man. Through faith in Christ, all believers, regardless of their background, are reconciled to our Creator. The gift of Jesus comes with no strings attached — it is free for all who believe. We could take this gift and keep it to ourselves. But as we mature in our faith, we have a responsibility to grow more Christ-like. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and to love our enemies. As believers, we should be doing whatever we can to avoid strife and hostility by instead sharing the good news with those whom God puts in our lives. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to either build barriers or form bonds. Responding to differing opinions in anger or frustration only increases those barriers, causing further separation. But when we approach a conflict in love, with open eyes and listening ears, we can build a bond that will allow us to share the restoring peace that God willingly sent to us in the form of His precious Son. As followers of Jesus, we should always choose to respond in love to all. • What are some barriers that divide people in our communities? What can you do to actively break down barriers? • Christ’s sacrifice has allowed us to be fully reconciled to God. Who are some people in your life that you could share redemptive peace with this Advent season and all year long?
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