Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Peace is both a gift to receive and a choice to make—it is our natural birthright and divine purpose as children of God. The peace that we are destined for is not a fleeting visit in our hearts, but a level of peace that acts as an umpire or arbiter in all decision-making and moments of our lives, especially in times of conflict. We have the power to move through any conflict through a state of peace, if we choose to ‘let the peace of Christ rule.’

When we think of peace, we often assume it is solely for personal reasons. However, this level of peace is not just for ourselves, but to cultivate harmony within our communities. Paul reminds us that ‘as members of one body you were called to peace’—our individual peace contributes to collective harmony. The more we operate from this state—making decisions from a higher realm and acting from grace—not only do we allow our own lives to be easier, but we also allow the people around us to enjoy the peace we offer them. The lightness we operate from energizes the people that we touch, allowing them to also move through their own conflicts from this calm energy.

What prevents us from living in eternal peace is quite simple—we fail to express gratitude for all that we are blessed with. In moments of challenge, our human inclination is to feel defeated, angry, or upset, but if we shift our way of thinking to immediately find gratitude for all experiences, the challenges turn into portals, the pain turns into purpose, and the fears turn into bravery. Paul connects this truth by adding ‘And be thankful.’ If we let peace have authority in daily situations, our relationships shift, our reality turns magical, and our hearts become free.