Day 98 · Week 14
Passage: Ephesians 4:26–32; Colossians 3:12–15
Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:26
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
This week Jesus has taken us from the commandment against murder into the heart where anger, contempt, and broken relationships begin.
His goal is larger than simply producing people who never commit violence.
He wants people whose hearts are ruled by His peace.
Paul describes what that kind of community looks like: mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, and peace.
These qualities do not come naturally when we have been offended. Our instinct may be to defend ourselves, prove our point, or make the other person feel what we felt.
Jesus offers another way.
Because He has forgiven us, we can forgive. Because our identity is secure in Him, we do not have to win every argument. Because God is Judge, we do not have to carry the burden of personal revenge.
There will still be disagreements. There will still be times when wrong must be confronted. But conflict does not have to control the atmosphere of a Christian home.
The peace of Christ can rule there.
Which quality from this week—patience, gracious speech, reconciliation, forgiveness, or peace—does our family most need to practice?
Say this week's complete memory verse together:
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” — Ephesians 4:26
Then give each person an opportunity to thank God for one family member.
Ask Jesus to rule your home with His peace and to teach each member of the family how to handle anger, words, conflict, and forgiveness in a way that reflects Him.