Finding Peace Through Christ's Death

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

Every year at this time we Americans stop to reflect on and remember those soldiers who fought and gave their lives. We especially honor those who laid down their lives completely for the sake of our country, that we might enjoy the freedom and the peace that we so richly have. We are truly blessed! I cannot comprehend what it must take to actually get into that uniform and fight, and to ultimately give up your life for a nation, for a cause. But those men and women were so committed that they did just that.

There are more committed men and women serving in our armed forces today, and I am so thankful for them and for their sacrifice. It means a lot to know that they are there. Giving up your life for someone else is the ultimate sacrifice. It is the ultimate in compassion, love, dedication and loyalty.

I think of someone else who gave up His life so that we might know freedom, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." You know, that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for you and for me so that we might have peace.

The Bible tells us that He left Heaven, and all of its splendor, and He came to earth, lived among men as a man, fully man and fully God. And one day He was falsely accused. Rather than walking away, He took that accusation, willingly laid down His life and died on the cross so that His life might be the sacrifice, the propitiation or the satisfaction, that needed to be paid in order to satisfy God's wrath against your sin and mine.

What a sacrifice that was on the part of the Lord Jesus! The Bible calls Him the Lord of Peace, and truly He is if He has given his life for you, for me, and for the whole world. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." But how do I get that peace? I get that peace by coming to Jesus Christ, placing my faith and trust in Him, realizing that there is no sacrifice that I can give that is great enough to satisfy God's desire, God's punishment for sin. It takes the death of someone. The Bible tells us there is no remission, or no forgiveness, without the shedding of blood. Jesus Christ did that for you and me that we might know peace. My friend, I encourage you to come to Him and find peace by putting your faith and trust in Him.

By Dr. Ann Shorb

Find out more about Christian counseling.

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