Gospel of Peace - Week 5: Thursday

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Commentary

Fr. Tadros Malaty
Here St. Paul emphasizes two traits which are important in strife, which support the soul and help others. These are pursuing peace with everyone and enjoying a holy life. As for pursuing peace, once the believer realizes his position as a member of the holy body but rather of all humanity, he works harmoniously with everyone through the Head, the Planner. He endures the weaknesses of others for the edification of the community, for his inner peace and for pushing the weak through love, to repent.

As for the holy life, it is associated with following peace and accompanies it. True love that works in us to follow peace is the same working for our sanctification, in the Holy Lord Jesus. Anyone who truly loves his brother and is eager for his salvation, cannot accept leading a sinful life but loves holiness and reacts with it. Also, our love to our brothers opens for us the doors of God's grace, so we may enjoy the fellowship of the holy life in the Lord.

Questions

• A lot of times the world today tells us it’s okay to not be on good terms with people. How does this verse and commentary conflict with that idea?

• How do we feel when one of our close friends is not leading a Christian lifestyle? Do we try to encourage them to bring them back?

• Does our behavior affect those around us? If we are at peace, do the people around us feel that peace within us?