Verse of the Day for November 28

Verse 15 ends with three small words that are easy to miss. And be ye thankful. They come right after a sentence about peace and about being called in one body.

One body means other people. Paul has just been listing what it takes to live with them: bearing with one another, forgiving quarrels, and putting on charity above all these things, like a coat over everything else.

That is the real cost. Not some grand sacrifice, but the daily price of living close to people who irritate you, wound you, or simply see things differently. Forgiving the same brother again. Staying in the church after the hurtful meeting.

The word rule in verse 15 meant to act as umpire. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. When you are deciding whether to stay or walk out, whether to reply sharply or hold your tongue, let his peace make the call. And then be thankful, even for the people who cost you something.

Think of one person whose place in your life is expensive. A neighbour, an in-law, a co-worker. Before you see them next, thank God for one thing in them. It will not remove the cost. It will change how you pay it.

Thankfulness is easiest to forget around the people who cost you most.

Let peace be the umpire before you decide how to answer.