Sharing Peace

Acts 15:33 – After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. (NIV)

I can remember years ago going to a restaurant with one of my Irish friends who had a touch of the blarney. When the waitress came to take our order, she asked him what he would like. He lyrically answered, "Just a kind word and a lovely smile." The waitress blushed, but for the rest of the evening, she was very attentive to his needs. I think that in the midst of a busy shift, she felt as though someone had treated her as a person and not just as a servant.

One of the most inspiring moments in our wee church takes place directly after Communion. It's the sharing of Christ's peace. From where I stand at the table, I get to see the whole congregation turn to one another, and with kind words, lovely smiles, handshakes, and hugs, everyone shares the peace of Christ. It's a sacred moment, and it reminds me that one day we will all share the same precious experience in the everlasting presence of Jesus. I think that's why sending, receiving, and returning the peace was so important to the New Testament church. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all share that peace with everyone we meet today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are God's peace bringer, and we are the happy recipients of that blessing. You complete our lives by sharing Your shalom. We ask that You encourage and enable us to share Your peace with many others today. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.