Jesus the Prince of Peace

[Daily Devotional]

Jesus the Prince of Peace 

Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Matt.
7:12. 

Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and
love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we
seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of
resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the
world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom
and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to
overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. . . . 

"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. "With what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Here are strong motives
which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently.
Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others.
Love beautified and ennobled all his actions. We are not commanded to do to
ourselves what we wish others to do unto us; we are to do unto others what
we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is
always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is
distinct from any other principle of action. . . . Love should be cherished
and cultivated, for its influence is divine (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 135,
136). 

In Jesus you may love with fervor, with earnestness. This love may increase
in depth and expand without limit. . . . Love to God will ensure love to
your neighbor, and you will engage in the duties of life with a deep,
unselfish interest. Pure principles should underlie your actions. Inward
peace will bring even your thoughts into a healthful channel. . . . 

Peace of mind, which comes from pure and holy motives and actions, will give
free and vigorous spring to all the organs of the body. Inward peace and a
conscience void of offense toward God will quicken and invigorate the
intellect like dew distilled upon the tender plants. . . . The meditations
are pleasing because they are sanctified. The serenity of mind which you may
possess will bless all with whom you associate. This peace and calmness
will, in time, become natural, and will reflect its precious rays upon all
around you, to be again reflected upon you. 

The more you taste this heavenly peace and quietude of mind, the more it
will increase. It is an animated, living pleasure which does not throw all
the moral energies into a stupor, but awakens them to increased activity.
Perfect peace is an attitude of heaven which angels possess (ibid., pp. 326,
327). 

>From Lift Him Up - Page 94