Jesus wants you to have peace, but He is the only one who can genuinely give it. As a pastor, how can you lead from a position of peace?
I often find myself, and others, battling some level of anxiety. We use other words: stress, issues, worries, difficulties, storms, frustrations, and fears. In every instance, we are challenged with having peace. Peace and anxiety cannot dwell together or even share space.
Jesus, in John 14:27, offered his disciples peace. His peace He was giving to them. What a valuable gift to give! But, of course, He fully understood what was about to happen. The disciples were still under a self-imposed shroud of mystery. Jesus had attempted to reveal the truth, but they struggled. So now, as He faces His final hours, He gives them His peace.
Jesus does not give as the world gives. He does not give it with conditions. How many times do we barter with the world for gifts? Someone gives you a gift, and you feel compelled to return the favor. Worse, you invite people to your party because you expect a certain level of gifting to occur. No, Jesus does not give as the world gives; He gives freely.
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