Pathways Press.com

Written by Chelsea Logan, a contemporary content and production lead at the Fuller De Pree Center.

“Peace of the Lord be with you.” In my church tradition, these words are commonplace. Each week, we utter this phrase as we “pass the peace” to each other. We look into each other’s eyes, grab hands, and sometimes even embrace one another. To the outsider, this can seem like nothing more than a brief moment to socialize mid-service (which sometimes, it kind of is!). However, its place in the service reminds us of its profound significance. Before we pass the peace, we are invited to confess and ask for forgiveness for “the things we’ve done and the things we’ve left undone.” It’s only after confession that we are invited to restore peace with others, especially where it’s been damaged…We are reminded that confession always precedes peacemaking—in all areas of life. It reminds us to ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and then confess where and against whom we’ve sinned…This moment illuminates that making peace is an act of worship. We are called to restore peace where we are responsible…As Christians, we are worshiping God when we live as people of and for peace—working with Jesus to make straight those paths that are crooked.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  [Luke 24:36]