Shoes – Gospel of Peace Part 4

¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 

Ephesians 6:13-15

Over the past few days we’ve looked at what it means to wear the gospel of peace as shoes for our feet. If you missed those posts, check them out here:

Today we’re going to round out our discussion of tightening the laces on the shoes of peace by seeking peace with others.

Sweet friends, John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world” meaning that the gospel of peace is available to all people (John 3:16). Jesus directed His disciples, and therefore us as modern day disciples, to go into all the world sharing the gospel and teaching others to love God (Matthew 28:16-20).

When we first discussed the shoes of peace, we talked about the “readiness” to share the gospel. Now it’s time to bring it full circle.

We prepare ourselves to be ready to share the gospel by seeking peace with God and staying at peace with ourselves.

Then, we walk out our doors, hearts full of Jesus and love for others, and we begin to share and…sometimes we see God work on the hearts of others, and sometimes they slam the door right in God’s face and ours too. Sometimes the gospel is welcomed with curiosity and interest, and sometimes it is met with a hard heart and walls are built.

Sometimes, peace is hard to share. Sometimes we feel rejected. Sometimes we feel offended, attacked. Sometimes our pride flares up or a desire to defend Jesus and we don’t share peace at all.

Sometimes in our eagerness to share God with others, we slam doors and build walls as easily as those who reject the gospel.

How do we avoid tripping on loose shoe laces?

We look to the Word for instruction:

Romans 12:18 instructs us “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

We remember that God loves all people, that Christ died to save all people, that we are all sinners, fallen short of the glory of God, and we strive for peace with everyone remembering that doing so is how others see holiness and are pointed toward Christ (Hebrews 12:14).

Matthew 5:23-24 tells us that “if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

We demonstrate our love for God and for others by asking for forgiveness. We also forgive others when they are less than peaceful with us (Luke 6:37).

• Peace with God.
• Peace with ourselves.
• Peace with others.

Beloved, when we walk in the gospel of peace, doors open and walls come down.

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