Letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts is an important concept that Paul teaches in Colossians 3:15. In order to fully understand what this means, we need to examine the verse in context, look at the original Greek wording, and see how this concept is illustrated throughout Scripture.
The Context of Colossians 3:15
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” This verse comes in the midst of a passage where Paul is giving practical instructions to the Colossian believers about how they should live in light of their new identity in Christ.
In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul reminds them that they have been raised with Christ and their life is now hidden with Christ in God. Because of this spiritual truth, they should set their minds on Christ and not earthly things. Then in verses 5-11, Paul lists out things they are to “put to death” in their earthly nature, like sexual immorality, anger, slander, and lying. He reminds them they have “put off the old self” and are being renewed as new creations in Christ (Col 3:9-10).
After listing some “put off” behaviors, Paul then transitions to the “put on” behaviors they should exhibit as part of their new nature in Christ. These include compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love (Col 3:12-14). All of these virtues and character qualities will help bind the Colossian believers together in perfect unity within the body of Christ.
It is in this context that Paul then makes his statement in verse 15 about letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. Based on the flow of the passage, this concept seems connected back to the call of verses 1-4 to set their minds on Christ. The peace of Christ ruling in their hearts will enable them to live out the “put on” virtues listed in verses 12-14.
The Greek Word for “Rule”
In order to fully grasp what it means to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, it’s important to understand the Greek word that is translated “rule” in this verse. The Greek word is brabeuó. This word was used to describe the role of an umpire or referee who would oversee athletic games and contests. The umpire did not directly compete in the game but was responsible to make sure the game was played fairly according to the established rules and standards. He would declare a winner and hand out the prize at the end of the contest.
With this imagery in mind, Paul seems to be describing the peace of Christ as an umpire who referees over the human heart. Just as the umpire oversees the game, the peace of Christ is to oversee our hearts. This oversight happens as we allow the peace of Christ to direct our behaviors, thought patterns, and relationships. The peace of Christ ensures we “play the game” according to God’s standards and virtues listed in this Colossians passage.
The Role of Peace in the Believer’s Heart
While Paul specifically mentions the “peace of Christ” ruling in our hearts, the role of peace in the believer’s life is a theme throughout Scripture. God is a God of peace (Rom 15:33, Rom 16:20, Phil 4:9, 1 Thess 5:23, Heb 13:20), and believers are called to pursue peace in various contexts.
Jesus said one of the beatitudes was “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt 5:9). He taught believers to seek reconciliation with others, leaving their gifts at the altar if needed (Matt 5:23-24). Paul frequently opened his letters with a blessing or call for grace and peace among believers (ex. 1 Cor 1:3). The fruits of the Spirit include peace (Gal 5:22). Spiritual unity is maintained through the “bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). Peace is also listed as a quality of the kingdom of God (Rom 14:17).
Based on these verses, peace seems to be both an attribute of God that He extends to believers as well as a virtue believers are called to exhibit by pursuing peace, unity, and reconciliation in their relationships. As the umpire overseeing the heart, the peace of Christ ensures believers reflect God’s peace in their thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
The Impact of Letting Christ’s Peace Rule
When the peace of Christ is allowed to act as umpire over the heart, ruling and refereeing our thoughts and actions, there will be both internal and external impact.
Internally, the peace of Christ brings order to the human heart. Just as an umpire enforces the rules of the game, Christ’s peace enforces the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 within us. The peace of Christ protects the heart from corrupting influences like anger, envy, and pride. It also calms fears and anxieties within the heart.
Externally, the peace of Christ manifests itself in peaceful relationships and treatment of others. Believers who let Christ’s peace rule will be motivated to forgive others, pursue reconciliation, and restore broken relationships. They will not retaliate against others or stir up strife.
This obedient submission to the rule of Christ’s peace also impacts the body of Christ as a whole. It promotes harmony and unity among believers within the church. As Paul said, we are called to the peace of Christ “in one body” (Col 3:15).
In addition to better relationships, the rule of Christ’s peace can benefit a believer’s witness in the world. By reflecting the virtues in verses 12-14, believers will stand out from the world and point people to Christ. Peaceful responses in the midst of conflict can open doors to share the hope within us (1 Pet 3:15).
How Do We Let the Peace of Christ Rule?
If letting Christ’s peace rule over our hearts results in such positive internal and external outcomes, how do we allow this to happen in a practical sense? Based on other biblical principles, here are a few ways we can let the peace of Christ rule:
- Spend time meditating on Scripture about peace, letting it saturate your mind and heart (Phil 4:8-9).
- Go to Christ immediately with all anxiety, turning it over to Him in prayer (Phil 4:6-7).
- Obey the Holy Spirit’s promptings, trusting Him to lead and guide (Gal 5:16-26).
- Choose to forgive others quickly, not harboring bitterness (Eph 4:26-27).
- Pursue reconciliation and restoration in broken relationships (Matt 5:23-24).
- Focus on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit like patience and kindness (Gal 5:22-23).
As we actively pursue Christ and grow in the knowledge of His Word, the peace of Christ is able to more fully direct and govern our hearts. It is not an instant process but a lifelong journey of submission to Christ’s lordship in our lives.
The Connection to Thankfulness
In Colossians 3:15, Paul moves straight from talking about the rule of Christ’s peace to thankfulness: “And be thankful.” There seems to be an intended connection here. As the peace of Christ arbitrates our hearts, leading us to virtuous thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, it naturally produces gratitude. Thankfulness is the proper response both for the inner tranquility Christ’s peace creates as well as the godly conduct it facilitates.
First, the peace of Christ itself is a gift for believers to be thankful for. Jesus offered this peace to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Experiencing the stable, centering peace of Christ even amid turmoil should elicit gratitude for God’s faithful provision.
Secondly, the growth in godly virtues and reconciliation produced as we submit to Christ’s peace in our hearts gives us much to be thankful for. We can be grateful for the work God is doing in our hearts and through our lives. The peace of Christ generates a cycle of peace and ensuing gratitude in the believer’s heart.
A Challenge for the Church
In addition to its personal application, Colossians 3:15 contains an important exhortation for the body of Christ as a whole. As mentioned earlier, this verse reminds believers they have been called to the peace of Christ “in one body.” God’s intention is that the rule of Christ’s peace over individuals would produce corporate peace within the church.
Sadly, conflict and divisions have marked the church throughout its history. Paul’s call here for all believers to submit to the rule of Christ’s peace presents a challenge and an opportunity. What if the church today made Colossians 3:15 a rallying cry?
Imagine local churches making the cultivation of Christ’s peace a matter of urgent prayer and focused discipleship. And imagine if the wider church was known for embodying this peace. Such a church would powerfully display the reconciling work of the cross and the unity Christ prayed for (John 17:20-23).
May Colossians 3:15 encourage us as individual believers to continually submit to Christ’s peace in our hearts. And may it inspire the body of Christ as a whole to diligently pursue this Christ-empowered peace leading to gratitude and testimony.
Key Points
Some key points we have seen about letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts:
- The verse comes in a passage calling believers to live out their new identity in Christ.
- The Greek word means Christ’s peace acts as an “umpire” overseeing the heart.
- Peace is a virtue believers are called to exhibit and pursue.
- The peace of Christ brings order and positive fruit to individual believers.
- It also promotes unity and witness within the body of Christ.
- We allow Christ’s peace to rule by pursuing spiritual disciplines and obedience.
- Gratitude is the proper response to experiencing Christ’s peace.
- The church is challenged to make pursuit of this peace an urgent priority.
As we close, we see that Colossians 3:15 offers a powerful key for healthy Christian living. As believers, we have the incredible privilege of experiencing the very peace of Christ ruling and refereeing our hearts. May we embrace this gift and the outcomes it enables, all to the glory of God.