“My Peace I Give You”
by Ron Hamilton, Conference Minister
I’ve heard it said…
To live above with the saints we love, Oh, that will be glory.
But to live below with the saints we know, That’s a different story.
A vital value of the CCCC is “A Culture of Peacemaking and Reconciliation.” We know that we live in a broken world. We believe that the church should fully experience the peace of Christ and demonstrate wholeness and unity in our world. A broken and divided church hinders the work of Jesus. A church that lives out the peace of Christ demonstrates the transforming work of Jesus to a world that is far from God.
We live in the promise of peace as devoted followers of Jesus.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
This refers to the Shalom of God which means “completeness, soundness, welfare and peace.” Jesus is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Salvation brings us “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). “Peace” is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and an evidence that God is at work in our lives.
Peace with God creates internal well-being that spills into our relationships with others so that we become peacemakers.(NIV Study Bible)
The CCCC ministry of Conference Care has raised up many who have been trained in Peacemakers ministry and are ready to assist our member pastors and churches who are experiencing conflict and division. It has been encouraging to see the way that our membership has responded to this ministry and worked diligently to seek peace and unity. The Holy Spirit is at work among us to bring peace.
However, our desire to develop a Culture of Peacemaking and Reconciliation goes beyond conflict resolution. We are passionate about living in obedience to Jesus in this generation and are prayerful that our membership demonstrates His transforming work in our lives. Peacemaking is more than something that we “do.” Peacemaking and reconciliation requires that we “are” in Christ. I prayerfully trust that we will receive the peace that Jesus promised and enjoy the fullness and wholeness that comes from a relationship with Him.
