Anchor My Faith

Let the Peace of Christ Rule In Your Hearts

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 ESV)

This verse is found in the third paragraph of the section titled, “Put On the New Self” in the ESV Study Bible. In the verses, of that paragraph, before our verse of study, we are told to ¹² “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Verse 15 then ends the instruction of what to put on: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” The next verse must be included here in our introduction because of its importance: 16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” This begs the question of when or why would the “peace of Christ” not rule in our hearts? Jesus said in John 14:27 ESV: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we obtain salvation, and with salvation the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us and he brings with him fruit that we can experience; fruit like love, joy and “peace.” While “of” the world, before salvation, we may be troubled by the world but have no real source of peace. After salvation, when we are still “in” the world, but not “of” the world, and are troubled by the world, we have within the source of peace.

When we are troubled by the world and become anxious, Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:6 – 7 ESV: ⁶ “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As we exercise by faith verse 6, we connect to the fruit of the Holy Spirit and experience peace. In verse 9, Paul further instructs us to learn from him and practice those things and peace will be with us.

“to which indeed you were called in one body.” The best commentary on this is found in Ephesians 2:14 – 16 ESV: ¹⁴ “For he himself (Jesus Christ) is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” The most powerful example of this peace is that which believers come to experience under the hostilities of persecution. It is truly amazing that one can exhibit peace and be able to love and forgive those who are creating the hostilities.

“And be thankful.” “[In] whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV). “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). If the circumstance happens to be a fiery trial (1 Peter 4:12), we are to push even beyond the giving of thanks and “count it all joy” (James 1:2) and “rejoice” (Romans 5:3).

As a new creature in Christ (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17), we have the living God in the person of the Holy Spirit living within us, who provides us with the ability to do the supernatural. We posses the ability to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit under any condition the world serves us. Father, thank you for that ability. If only we would take time to learn how to exercise that ability.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

The Rule of Christ’s Peace in a Grateful, Unified Hear

Summary Paragraph

In Colossians 3:15, the apostle Paul calls believers to allow the peace of Christ to govern their hearts, acting as a guiding authority in their inner life and relationships. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the settled assurance that comes from reconciliation with God through Christ. It is meant to shape decisions, attitudes, and interactions within the body of Christ, promoting unity among believers who are called into one body. Alongside this peace, Paul emphasizes the importance of gratitude, indicating that a thankful heart is both a response to God’s grace and a safeguard for spiritual harmony. Together, peace and thankfulness reflect a life fully yielded to Christ’s rule.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean for the peace of Christ to “rule” in our hearts?
   Answer:
   The word “rule” carries the idea of an umpire or decision-maker; something that determines the outcome in moments of uncertainty. When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, it means that His peace governs our thoughts, emotions, and choices. Instead of being driven by fear, anxiety, or personal preference, we allow Christ’s peace to guide us toward what aligns with His will. This peace is rooted in our reconciliation with God and gives us confidence in His sovereignty. Practically, it means pausing in difficult situations and asking, “Does this reflect the peace Christ gives?” If not, we reconsider our response.
2. How is the peace of Christ different from worldly peace?
   Answer:
   Worldly peace is often dependent on circumstances; when things are going well, there is peace; when they are not, peace disappears. In contrast, the peace of Christ is internal and rooted in a restored relationship with God. It remains steady even in trials because it is based on Christ’s finished work, not external conditions. This peace reassures believers that God is in control, even when life is uncertain. Therefore, while worldly peace fluctuates, Christ’s peace is constant and sustaining.
3. Why does Paul connect peace with unity in “one body”?
   Answer:
   Paul emphasizes that believers are called into one body, the church, and that unity is essential to its function. The peace of Christ is not only personal but communal; it helps maintain harmony among believers. When individuals allow Christ’s peace to rule in their hearts, conflicts are handled with humility, patience, and grace. This prevents division and fosters a spirit of cooperation and love. Unity in the body reflects the character of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world.
4. What role does thankfulness play in this verse?
   Answer:
   Thankfulness is both a command and a natural outcome of experiencing Christ’s peace. A grateful heart recognizes God’s provision, grace, and sovereignty, which reinforces peace within. Gratitude shifts focus from what is lacking or troubling to what God has already done. It also guards against bitterness, anxiety, and discontent, attitudes that disrupt peace. In relationships, thankfulness promotes appreciation for others, strengthening unity within the body of Christ.
5. How can a believer cultivate both peace and thankfulness in daily life?
   Answer:
   Cultivating peace and thankfulness involves intentional spiritual practices. Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture help align the heart with God’s truth, reinforcing His peace. Trusting God in difficult situations and surrendering control also deepen this peace. Thankfulness can be developed by consciously acknowledging God’s blessings each day, whether through prayer, journaling, or verbal praise. As believers consistently focus on God’s faithfulness, both peace and gratitude grow, shaping a life that reflects Christ’s rule.