A description of the course that explains what you will learn and how it will help you grow closer to Jesus
4 lessons
4 lessons
4 lessons
God's peace is a gift from above—and requires our weakness
Dalai Lama XIV said, "With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world." It's an important insight, because if we feel worthless and powerless, we probably won't try to make positive changes.
At the same time, it's hard to see how focusing more on our own potential and abilities will bring us together in peace. After all, even as these realizations empower us, don't they also often lead to selfishness and fights?
As we journey through Advent, it's fascinating that Jesus was born in a manger, "because there was no guest room available for them" (Luke 2:7). Yet amidst these humble, powerless beginnings, a multitude of angels announced to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors" (Luke 2:14)!
Advent is a reminder that God's peace is a gift from above—and below. Jesus had to take the initiative to establish peace between us and God.
Yet astonishingly, when the Prince of Peace arrived, he started by identifying with us in our weakness, limitations, and sin.
In Galatians 5, Paul clearly describes the damaging works of the flesh. His list includes hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, and factions. It might sound harsh, but he's only describing how we usually treat one another. These are the front-page headlines of our daily newspapers!
So how can I—how can we—build a better world?
We usually think we need more strength. But what if we need more weakness?
What if we need to humbly confess that we need a baby to bring us peace? What if we need to ask the Holy Spirit to renovate our hearts? Perhaps we need to live with less self-confidence and more by keeping in step with the Spirit.
As we wait for the Prince of Peace, may we invite the Spirit of peace to give us the fruit of peace.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
How does the waiting experience of Advent reveal our need for God's help?
Listen to your favorite version of "O Holy Night" (and if you feel comfortable, sing along!). What does this song stir in your heart?
Who could you talk to about your need for God's help to be a peacemaker? Pray and discuss how you can encourage one another to live by the power of the Holy Spirit together.
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