Forgiveness and peace are best friends. Peace happens because forgiveness happens. That’s true of our relationship with God. Without forgiveness, we would never be at peace with God. Peace doesn’t mean placid. What Paul means by peace is the condition where relationships can be restored without interference, nothing getting in the way, like past or even present sin.
So, peace isn’t the absence of fighting, it’s the space to reconnect. It’s the freedom to know and be known.
So Paul says, “forgive each other as Jesus has forgiven you…And let the peace of God dwell in you richly!”
So, forgive each other and give peace a chance. Or said another way, don’t take the peace forgiveness provides for granted. Don’t stand still; move towards one another. Most of all move towards God.
Good topic! Forgiveness is a tool to help us seek inner peace. Peace is not the absence of conflict but how we handle it to give us a peaceful living matters. We forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness but we deserve peace. Also, God forgives so as followers, we should forgive.
When it comes to peace, I am reminded often of the following two quotes:
“Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances.” —Estella Eliot
“Do not let the behaviors of others to destroy your inner peace!”~~ Dalai Lama
Why forgiveness helps! I hope the article below will help explain further and will add some values in our understanding about the relationship between forgiveness and peace!
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2012/06/finding-peace-through-forgiveness?lang=eng
From Washington, DC, have a Blessed Saturday and a Blessed Sunday!