Fuzzy

"We have peace with God," Romans 5:1.

We do not misunderstand. This peace does not say we have warm, fuzzy feelings like we have about a puppy happy to see us. Or like we have about the favorite plush toy. No. We know it's a peace that Jesus fought hard to bring us in our rebel bitterness against God. It is peace from our hardened hearts warring against God's will. A peace that now rules even in our consequent sufferings. Peace that brings endurance. Peace that produces a new character in us. Peace that gives us confident hope. Peace that removes our shame. Peace arising from God's love poured into our hearts. Peace because God gave us his Holy Spirit. Justified by faith in Christ, therefore: Peace.

When we visit with a brother or sister today we exchange Christ's peace. And together we give thanks to God that he receives Christ's terms of peace in his cross.