Peace – Three Minute Bible

March 8, 2025March 9, 2025

Colossians 3:15b – Doing What is Good

A picture of a dove in flight against a sparkling blue background.

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

Summary: Peace in the body of Christ is a beautiful thing. It is also a key indicator of spiritual wellbeing.

There is a reason Paul mentions God’s peace in our hearts first. Paul’s thoughts are racing ahead to the image of Christ’s body that Jesus has revealed to him (Galatians 1:12).

Think, for a moment, about the “body of Christ.” It is people. That is what the “body of Christ” is—just people.

December 7, 2024December 8, 2024

Colossians 2:5b – Pleasing Jesus

… and delight to see how disciplined you are …

Summary: Words often can be used in more than one way. The word “discipline” is one of those words. Paul is not thinking of external discipline, but the kind that flows naturally from a loving heart.

One definition of the word “disciplined” might be “Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” That is a rather gentle definition and one that Paul might have liked. Another definition he might have liked is that being disciplined is like “knowing your place.”

When people of faith are disciplined, they work together without complaint. Each person is content, knowing that they are part of the body of Christ, and following the Spirit’s lead. The “feet” do not wish they were a “hand,” and the “hands” do not complain because they are not “eyes” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

September 6, 2024September 7, 2024

Galatians 6:16a – The Judge’s Son

Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule …

Summary: Following Paul’s logic always keeps us on our toes. Today’s challenge is discerning which rule Paul is referring to.

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024

Galatians 6:5 – Jackson’s Burden

… for each one should carry their own load.

Summary: Just a few verses ago Paul told us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Now he says “each one should carry their own load.” We need to untangle his words to understand their meanings.

August 2, 2024August 2, 2024

Galatians 5:22-23 – Looking Back, Part 2

[T]he fruit of the Spirit …

Summary: Looking back at Paul’s list of the “fruit of the Spirit,” we discover that the fruit of God’s Spirit is actually poured into us before we can share it with others.

July 19, 2024July 19, 2024

Galatians 5:22d – Peace Like a River

But the fruit of the Spirit is … peace …

Summary: Happiness comes and goes but God’s peace is forever.

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024

Galatians 5:22a – A Special Kind of Giving

But the fruit of the Spirit is …

Summary: As Paul begins to teach us about the fruit of the Spirit, it is worth taking a moment to consider why God’s Spirit changes who we are and how others see us.

December 5, 2023December 5, 2023

Galatians 1:3b – Distinctly Peculiar

… and peace …

Summary: Peace is a word that can describe the world around us, but it also describes the state of our soul. The peace that God offers us through Paul’s words today is a gift for the soul.

November 24, 2023November 26, 2023

Ephesians 6:23b – Ambassador for Christ

… and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary: Sometimes people say things they don’t mean. Paul was not like that. He represented Jesus to the Gentiles, and he took his work very seriously.

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023

Ephesians 6:23a – The Peace of God

Peace to the brothers and sisters …

Summary: When Paul says “Peace to the brothers and sisters …” he means more than just a sixties vintage hippy dippy nice saying. He is transmitting the peace of God.