PEACE

In Chapter 20, John's Gospel records several interactions of Jesus with His disciples just after the resurrection.

But John doesn't tell us a whole lot of what Jesus said to His disciples - the dialogue is sparse.

Even so, John notes a phrase that Jesus repeats 3 times to his disciples:

"Peace be with you!"

Jesus doesn't give the disciples a long explanation of why they should be full of peace, and he doesn't reprimand them for being fearful. 

He just says, "Peace be with you."

I have found myself battling anxious thoughts more often these past few years. (How about you?) I suppose some of that anxiety is due to Covid, some to stage of life, and some to social media. 

(I should probably stop reading Twitter.)

When I paused today to meditate on Jesus' phrase, "Peace be with you", I realized that one of the greatest things I gain from reading Scripture on a regular basis is a sense of sanity.

There is great peace in reading - and believing - the Bible.