“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.””
As we continue in our series on Advent in 1 Peter, the second Monday of Advent’s focus on peace is our topic this week.
“Peace can be elusive, especially in moments of stress.”
Peace can be elusive, especially in moments of stress. Looking back to some of my own work moments under the pressure of a deadline, I have often failed to love others as myself.
I remember getting an email from a boss a few years ago and shooting back a quick, tongue-in-cheek response. Don’t they know what pressure I’m under to meet their own deadlines they’ve set for me? I was peeved and the friction in our work relationship was palpable until I brokered peace and repented of my own bitterness.
In our text this week we encounter Peter’s words to Christians under duress in the first century who probably also felt pressure to capitulate and stir up discord.
Stress doesn’t always bring out the best in us. Like a tube of toothpaste, when the pressure hits, whatever’s inside is coming out.
“As a people who have peace with God, you have been given the joy of brokering peace in your work, whatever your level of authority and autonomy.”
For you in your own work, may this Advent provide an opportunity to heed the words of Peter, to bless others as you yourself were blessed by God.
As a people who have peace with God, you have been given the joy of brokering peace in your work, whatever your level of authority and autonomy.
You are blessed to be a blessing.
Father God, I have been blessed to be a blessing. Even as I consider my own work, I often fail to feel at peace with you and with others. Forgive me, for my lack of faith and my quick forgetfulness. Instead, have mercy on me and, by your grace, help me to broker peace and shalom by loving and serving others in every area of my work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you would like to directly support the work of CFWLA this giving season, you can do so at faithandworkla.com/donation.
Gage Arnold is the Communications Director for the Center for Faith & Work Los Angeles. He is currently an M.Div student at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO., and holds a B.S. in Journalism & Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee.