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Category Archives: Relationships

The Flow of Authority

11 Apr
The Flow of Authority

I’ve been writing about Peter’s first letter to the church. In my last post, I started talking about godly submission to authorities. We concluded by seeing that submission is always to the powers established by God, not to a person.

This is important to understand, because power always flows down the authority structure. But that brings up a question. What structures are there?

Actually, there are four authority structures that God has established. They are the government, the home, the church, and the workplace. It’s through these that authority flows down from the throne of God to the individual.

When they first hear this, some say that I missed one – the school system. No, God didn’t establish that structure independently. Scripture tells us that the parents are to train up their children. So in reality, the school is under parental authority.

As we talk about godly submission, the true question is “How do I submit?”

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good…

Titus 3:1 NIV

We need to be reminded of this truth sometimes. That word, obedient, literally means to allow yourself to be persuaded by. Submission always allows persuasion to take place.

“What if I don’t like that person?” It doesn’t matter. The only case where you would rebel against the person is if that person contradicted the known will of God.

It’s like what happened when the Jewish Sanhedrin ordered the disciples not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus. These believers made it clear that they had an obligation to serve God rather than man.

Now we can understand what Peter was saying. We must be under submission to the ultimate and sent authorities. That means we must place ourselves in a position to be persuaded by their leadership.

Peter continues by showing us God’s purpose through all of this.

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

1 Peter 2:15 NIV

Peter always speaks his mind. This is quite the verse if you read it in the original Greek. The apostle says that it’s God’s will that through your doing good, you can muzzle the ignorance of the mindless people.

It’s the next verses that are the key in speaking about submission.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV

Here he tells us to live our lives unrestrained. Yet, as we do this, we don’t hold our freedom as a cloak for evil.

As God’s people, we understand power. We serve the ultimate power. Submitting to the office that people hold, allowing ourselves to be persuaded by the person holding that position.

Then we must place the correct value on everyone. This includes love for fellow Christians. Fear of God and honor for government officials. We must place ourselves in the position of correct submission.

Question: How do you see this operating in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 11, 2025 in Leadership, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Authority and Submission

09 Apr
Authority and Submission

We’ve been going through 1 Peter verse by verse. Now he starts a new topic – submission to authority.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

1 Peter 2:13-14 NIV

Submission to authorities is a very important truth. As a matter of fact, you can’t serve God without learning submission. This verse tells us that we need to submit to all the authority structures of mankind.

To submit literally means to arrange under. It’s how we view ourselves in relation to others – both in the body of Christ and in society

The first thing we must see is that we’re to submit ourselves under authority. This tells me that submission is always voluntary. It cannot be forced from the outside. We must decide to arrange ourselves under all the structures of man.

In order for us to have a better understanding of this, Peter gives an example that he’s familiar with. He starts with the king, who is held above as the supreme authority. He adds this description so that you can replace king with whatever the highest authority is in your government.

But not that only, he goes on to mention the governors. These are the leaders or commanders. He explains that these are the ones who are dispatched through him (the one held above).

Their job is to punish “bad-doers” and to praise “good-doers.” So, there are two levels here. There is the one at the highest, and there is the enforcer.

Here in the USA, we do not have a king – but we have a supreme authority. You may be surprised to learn that it’s not the president, congress, or our judges. The supreme authority in the USA is the constitution. This means that our entire government is in the hands of dispatched people.

Paul also talks about this.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Romans 13:1-2 NIV

America allows us to choose those whose job it is to enforce the authority of the constitution. Once chosen, it’s then our job, according to Scripture, to submit.

But this verse goes on to explain the terms of our submission. The word for authority here is actually the word power, not a person. God does not establish the person, but the office.

God didn’t tell me who He wanted for president. But He established the office, so regardless of who I voted for, or my opinions, what people say – I submit to the office of president. Right now, this is Pres. Donald Trump.

The other choice is to rebel against the authority, not the person, God has established. That’s because submission is always to the power. That’s why as believers, we submit to the office, not the person.

In my next post we’ll continue with this subject.

Question: How do we see the issue of authority playing out in our society?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 9, 2025 in Leadership, Relationships, The Church

 

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Ready for Inspection

07 Apr
Ready for Inspection

We’re continuing through Peter’s first letter. He’s been writing about who we’re called to be in Christ. He wants all believers to live up to their calling.

Now he talks about what the world sees in us.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 2:12 NIV

Peter makes a very interesting statement here that we should take note of, especially in this generation. The opening phrase literally reads that we should busy ourselves, being seen as good and valuable among those in the world.

This brings into question how the world sees us acting on social media. (Yes, I’m going to go there!) How do we treat each other in front of the world? Everything we say and do is public, for all to see these days.

We need to live our lives with the knowledge that everything we say or do is noticed on the world stage. They’re going to judge our Lord based upon how we act or treat each other.

We need to start reflecting the attitudes of Christ more and more in our online dealings. And we’re to live this way, even if we’re accused of doing wrong. That’s true even when we’re labeled as haters for speaking truth.

This verse says that the world will inspect the good works which come out of your life. Then, will glorify God on the day of His visitation. It’s interesting that this phrase means the day of inspection.

That brings up a good question. What is this day of visitation? First of all, I don’t believe that it’s talking about the second coming of Christ. It sounds like a temporary thing for only a season.

Jesus told the people of Jerusalem that they would be judged for not perceiving it.

“They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Luke 19:44 NIV

This is the same phrase used by Peter. They would be conquered because they didn’t recognize their day of visitation.

We read some of the promises of God in the Scripture. Then, we think that when the list of qualifications for a promise is met – we get the fulfillment.

In reality, God sets a day of inspection. We may have already met the criteria at some point. But then, if we don’t continue in that way of life, we fail the inspection and don’t obtain the promise.

God wants the world to see His blessing on our lives. But, in order for that to happen, we must live for Him on a consistent basis. We can’t be trying to live for Christ and ourselves at the same time.

Paul said it well.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Philippians 3:16 NIV

It’s time for the church to be who God says we are. Especially online in front of the world. We must always realize that we’re constantly under inspection.

Question: How well do you measure up in this spiritual inspection process?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 7, 2025 in Ministry, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Who Are We? Part 2

04 Apr
Who Are We? Part 2

As we go through 1 Peter, we’re now in chapter 2 looking at Peter’s description of the church. This is the legacy that we’re striving to live up to.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

In my last post, I talked about believers as a chosen people and a royal priesthood. The next thing Peter calls us is a holy nation. This literally speaks of a holy, set apart, ethnic group.

The fact is that we have a new ethnicity, no matter where our families are from originally. We are a part of a new race of people.

We must come to the realization that we’re a holy race. A race has a particular set of customs and attributes. This usually includes their own language. A race of people have their own view of how the world works.

That should be the attitude of our life in the body of Christ. That’s why there’s no place for prejudice or bigotry in the church. We are a new group of people tied together in the bonds of the Spirit.

Peter goes on to call us a people belonging to God. This means that we’re a people group who were acquired into a particular time, place, or purpose.

Based on the context, this tells me that we’re a people acquired by God for a particular purpose. This verse is very clear as to what this purpose is. That purpose is to declare a particular message.

Like it or not, your main purpose is to declare the praises, valor, greatness, of the One who rescued us. Your purpose is not to amass as much money or toys that you can. It’s not to climb to the top of your chosen profession.

Our goal is to bring glory to the One who took us out of darkness and obscurity. We have now entered into His light. This place of light is wondered at, marveled at by all who perceive it.

This is who we are right now. I find that absolutely incredible! But there is a problem, however.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

1 Peter 2:11 NIV

The challenge is that we’re at war. But it’s not against the world or the devil. According to this verse, the longings of our flesh serves in a strategic military campaign against our soul – which is our mind.

Believe it or not, our flesh is very crafty. It does everything in its power to get us to think that we’re not select, kingly, holy or needed for a particular purpose.

Peter is inviting us, calling us to refrain from these desires. We need to fight against the thoughts that we’re the same as everyone else in the world. If we fulfill these longings, we reinforce the lie of the flesh.

We then look at ourselves incorrectly and say that we’re no different than anyone else. We need to remain strong in His Word about who we are. That’s what will keep us headed in the right, upward direction.

Question: How well are you winning this war in your mind?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 4, 2025 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Becoming New

21 Mar
Becoming New

We’re going through Peter’s first letter to the church. In my last post we saw that we were born again by the living and enduring Word of God.

It doesn’t matter how we were originally born, or our experiences growing up to this point. We are a new creation in Christ. We now have a new nature.

Peter continues this thought.

For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV

We all have to come to the grips with the fact that our humanity tends toward decay. We know that this is true as far as our bodies are concerned. We see the effects of aging all around us in society.

However, this tendency toward decay is true for our relationships as much as for our bodies. If you remember, Peter is telling us how true holiness breeds godly love, one toward another.

In the context of this letter, this truth about decay is being applied to our relationships. Left to ourselves we would end up hating each other. But if we let the Word of God work on us, then the effects will last throughout eternity.

That’s why godly, anointed preaching is so important. It allows us to get God’s Word into our spirit.

But it doesn’t end there. The next verse carries the same thought.

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

Peter is telling us that until we are truly godly, there are some things that we must put away. These are the things that bring decay into our relationships. If left unchecked, they could ruin the work God is doing in us.

The first thing he tells us to put away is all malice. That word means badness, evil, trouble. We know this one. We all like to cause trouble from time to time. But, not for ourselves – for others.

“Do you know what she said about you?”

Then we have to put away all deceit. That means baiting and trickery. It’s saying and doing things that you know will cause others to get mad. We see a lot of this happening in social media. As believers we need to stop acting this way.

Next is hypocrisy. It’s the act you put on trying to make yourself look good and others look not-so-good.

Of course, another is envy. That’s actually an inward shriveling of bitterness or spite. It only hurts you. Usually the other person is oblivious to your inner turmoil. Let it go.

Finally, Peter says to put away slander of every kind. This is defamation or talking against. This something else that people have turned into a hobby on social media. We must not be involved in it.

These are the things that must be dealt with in the maturing process. At first you have to make firm decision not to do these things. But as the Holy Spirit does His work, it becomes your nature – from the heart by the new birth.

The church in America desperately needs to walk in true godly love. We are the body of Christ and should accurately portray who He is and how He loves.

Question: How have you seen this transformation taking place in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 21, 2025 in Power of God, Relationships, Revival

 

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Holiness Develops Love

17 Mar
Holiness Develops Love

We’re continuing our walk through Peter’s first letter to the church. He’s been talking about holiness and the fear of the Lord. Now the apostle goes a little deeper.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22 NIV

Peter is desiring for us to develop love for one another. This is an important teaching for us to hear. That’s because this generation has a notable lack of love. We’ve become very self-centered.

Love is the choice to put others first. It includes the choice to truly fellowship. I’m not talking about simply meeting together for church.

We’re talking about the true love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. It’s the choice to participate positively in the lives of others.

The key to producing this true love is right here in these verses. If you look closely, before he ever deals with love Peter says, “Now that you have purified your soul in obeying the truth through the spirit…”

That’s the foundation of the love we share as believers. It’s the goal of purifying ourselves. It means we desire to be made holy, set apart to the Lord for His use.

Here is the key. The foundation of true love is holiness.

Remember what Jesus said when He was asked what was the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

The first step is loving God which leads to holiness. So, if you truly loved yourself you would walk in God’s way. That leads to the ability to love others

Peter had to enlarge this in his second letter.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

Notice that verse 5 & 6 get you to godliness (holiness). Then it takes godliness in order to step over into brotherly love. This is the first love in 1 Peter 1:22. He calls it a sincere love for your brothers. That’s literally an unpretended brotherly love.

Please understand that brotherly love is the emotion of liking someone as a friend. Until you develop godliness, you must pretend to like others. Believe it or not, we must pretend to love until godliness is developed.

The problem in the church is that we don’t even pretend to like one another. But isn’t that hypocrisy? No – it’s obedience! That’s because we’re headed toward agape-love, which is choosing to love even when you don’t feel like it.

That’s what Peter is saying here. Now that you’ve developed godliness, you don’t have to pretend anymore.

“I don’t like these people.”

Well, that means you still need to mature some more. That’s because mature holiness causes you to like others. I’ve made the choice to love; then God starts to change my heart. I start to become like Him.

Question: How have you seen this love developing in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2025 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Philemon – Slavery Must End

03 Feb
Philemon – Slavery Must End

Continuing through the book of Philemon, we see Paul speaking out on behalf of Onesimus, a former slave. The apostle now gets to the heart of his instruction to the master he ran away from.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 15-16 NIV

Paul uses very clear language in this section. He wants Philemon to elevate his view of Onesimus. He wants Philemon to see him as above a slave. He is now a partner in Paul’s ministry.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

Philemon 17 NIV

That word, welcome, means more than just a wave and a handshake. It literally means to admit him back with both friendship and hospitality. Paul is saying that instead of viewing him as a returned slave, see him as a member of the family who has returned after a journey.

Paul realizes that Philemon might think that Onesimus owes him something. After all, he lost the services that this slave could have given him. So, Paul deals with that issue.

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back — not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Philemon 18-21 NIV

Yes, Paul uses his influence to add a level of guilt to give Philemon that final push to do what is right. He wants to see Onesimus welcomed back with no strings attached.

Both Philemon and Onesimus were saved under Paul’s ministry. That makes them both his spiritual sons. They need to view each other in that way. They must begin a new type of relationship together.

Paul closes this letter with some final words.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philemon 22-25 NIV

Many people question the purpose of this tiny book. I think that the reason the Holy Spirit placed it in the New Testament is clear.

At this point in history, slavery was an entrenched institution. It was viewed as a normal part of society. But that alone doesn’t make something right.
It’s a part of our sin nature to want to control others for our benefit. That makes slavery an outward expression of our sin.
As the Holy Spirit is finishing His inspiration about living as a body of Christ, He’s planting the seeds in the church to think deeply about slavery. If it’s wrong to enslave a fellow believer, and we want everyone to come to faith in Christ, then is slavery ever right? NO! But you couldn’t start there because of thousands of years of history.
As I said, in this book the spiritual seed was being planted in the hearts of believers to end slavery.

Question: What’s the best way to change things that are wrong, that society is okay with?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 3, 2025 in Fellowship, Relationships, The Church

 

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Spiritual Relationships

07 Feb
Spiritual Relationships

We’re looking at Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He now starts a new section. He’s giving some final exhortations before concluding.

In the past, Paul has written about family issues in detail. Now, he’s simply reminding them of his teaching. Paul makes a statement about each member of the family.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Colossians 3:18 NIV

He is saying to wives that they need to make a choice to view themselves as under their husband in rank. This is not something the husband can force. It’s a matter of the heart.

This doesn’t imply that the wife is inferior to the husband. It’s also not a matter of blind obedience. It’s about what’s fitting – proper – in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Colossians 3:19 NIV

To husbands, he says that they must make a choice to actively, positively participate in the lives of their wives. In this way, the husband is not striving to please himself, but doing the best for his wife’s sake.

You’re not to be harsh. You’re not ordering them as their lord. The wife is not a slave to the husband. You’re in this together to make the best family environment.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Colossians 3:20 NIV

When it comes to the children, we get to the word, obey. Just a note; this is NOT the same word as submit, above. The children’s place is a place of obedience.

All throughout Scripture it’s clear that children are to obey their parents. I would even say that if you’re a single adult living with your parents, then you still need to follow the “house rules”.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21 NIV

I believe this is more about dealing with older children. As they mature, they begin to question certain things. That’s when we must learn to communicate.

They may ask, “Why?”

“Because I’m the father and I said so.” is not an appropriate answer. As I parent, I need to show some respect for them as a thinking person.

The word, discouraged in this verse, literally means to be without passion. There are too many people in this generation who have grown up passionless. They spend their lives trying to self medicate with entertainment, social media, alcohol, or any of a thousand other things that can fill their time.

This is why the home is a sacred place. For believers, it should be a small picture of the church of Jesus Christ.

Christ is the head of the home and each of the members are striving to fulfill the corporate calling. Yes, every home has a calling. Every member of the family has a part to play.

That’s why how we treat one another is so important. Selfishness by any one member can bring the whole structure down. That’s why so many homes are in turmoil.

As believers, our goal should be a home where Christ is portrayed in all of His glory. It should be an example to the world of how life should be.

Question: How well do you fulfill your spiritual role in your family?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2024 in Relationships

 

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Singing Together

02 Feb
Singing Together

As we’ve been going through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, we see that he’s talking about our spiritual relationships. The Apostle is exhorting us to be led by the Holy Spirit in our dealings with each other.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

As we allow the Spirit to engraft God’s Word in us, it begins to overflow and brings glory to God in our meetings. Singing is one of the greatest ways to praise the Lord. It shows our gratefulness to Him.

There are two main ways that we can focus our singing. The first is probably the most obvious.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalms 96:1-2 NIV

Our music can be directed toward God in the praise of His glory. This is an important part of our relationship with the Lord. Singing His praises transports us into His presence.

I get so upset when believers view the praise and worship time as merely the “warm-up act” for the pastor’s preaching. Nothing could be further from the truth. As we sing praise and thanksgiving to God, we’re brought into a deeper spiritual place. We become more open to the move of the Holy Spirit.

Praising God in song is an important part of a spiritual walk.

The second aim of music may surprise some of you.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…

Ephesians 5:19 NIV

Our music can be directed toward each other. There are many people (and I used to be one of them) that dislike the use of songs that are not directed toward God. This verse clearly shows the necessity of both types of music.

There are times when we need to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another. Why is that so important? Look back at the verse we started with.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

It’s through music that the Word of Christ can live richly in you. Singing music that’s directed at each other is a form of teaching and admonishing. As we sing, we learn.

This is an incredible truth. When my children were small, they learned all the states and their capitals because they were put to music. How much more important is it to get the Word into our hearts?

Through music, the Word of Christ can enter our lives and stay with us. That’s why I’m so adamant about not singing songs that contain bad doctrine. Too many Christians believe error because they learned it in their music.

We give praise to our God. We teach and admonish each other. Both of these can and should be done through the music of God’s people.

Question: Is there a song that opened up your eyes to a spiritual truth?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 2, 2024 in Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church, Word of God, Worship

 

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The Peace of Christ

31 Jan
The Peace of Christ

We’re continuing through the book of Colossians. For the last few posts, I was talking about our spiritual clothing if we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in us. Now Paul is bringing this section to a conclusion.

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

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Let me start out with a disclaimer. I’ve heard many teaching about this verse. The majority of which deal with decision making. They say that if you have a major decision to make, just go with the choice that you’re at peace with.

I know that this sounds good, but it’s based upon the way word meanings have changed throughout church history. However, one thing that doesn’t change is the context of Scripture. So, at the risk of getting some people upset at me, I’m going with the context.

The first thing we need to understand is this word, peace. The problem is that the Greek language has a couple of different words that are translated as peace in English. I’ve heard people teach that it’s calm, quietness – like when Jesus said, “Peace. Be still”; and He calmed the storm. This isn’t that Greek word.

The word used for peace in this verse means harmony between two parties. In other words, it’s the opposite of war. This is something that can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit.

Again, we need to look at the context in which we find this verse. Paul has just gone through a list of virtues that affect our relationships. It’s how we treat one another and live in a spirit of unity.

Even in this very verse the Apostle tells us that as members of one body, we are called to have harmony between us. That’s not even taking into account the fact that he just talked about forgiveness, love, compassion, and patience.

The other word we need to look at is the word, rule. I’ve heard it taught that if you follow where your heart has peace, you’ll always make the right decision. Is that true?

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not always peaceful about God’s will for my life. He sometimes calls me to do things I’m not comfortable with. I don’t think Jonah had peace concerning going to Nineveh.

Understanding this word, rule, is important. It comes from a Greek word that literally means the umpire of a contest, who awards the prize. That brings a whole new light to this verse.

In the context of how we treat one another in the body of Christ, peace is the umpire. I allow the Holy Spirit to work His will in me with all of these virtues. Then, when I see the peace of God active in me – a harmony between me and other believers – that’s the proof that I’m qualified for the prize.

That brings me to the final sentence of this verse. Paul didn’t just add a random comment to the end of this. The word “and” should tell you that this is all one sentence in the original.

That word, grateful, has a primary meaning of being well-favored. If we follow through on Paul’s exhortation in verses 12-15, then we will be well-favored. Not only by God, but by our brothers and sisters around us.

So, as I’ve said before, context is everything. I hope you’ve had an open mind while reading this post. And I hope that it’s a blessing to you. My prayer is that by receiving it, you’ll be well-favored.

Question: How well do you allow the Holy Spirit to work His peace in your relationships?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on January 31, 2024 in Fellowship, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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