Reading: Peter has one more command to offer the church before he closes this letter. It is a command that probably sounds weird to us but was very common in the New Testament and it was a key characteristic of the church. 

All of us have probably been on good teams and bad teams before. One of the things that makes a team great is their unity. When each guy is willing to fight for the person next to them and the good of the team, when everyone has the same goal and is focused on the same mission, and when no one cares who gets the credit or glory, the team is much more unified. In a much deeper way, the church should be marked with these same characteristics. 

Peter makes sure it is the last thing mentioned here. Let’s not miss it. 

Above all, the church is marked by its love for one another. When all the members are marked by love and not hate, the result is peace and not division! 

Peace in the midst of chaos.  

Peace in the middle of tragedy. 

Peace in the middle of suffering. 

And in the case of Peter’s letter, peace in the middle of persecution.  

Peter can confidently say peace be to you all because they know the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ the Son of God.  

Reflection: Consider all of these questions and write your thoughts down. Do you find yourself greeting everyone on your teams with love?  Can you think of anyone on your team that you are rooting against or you hope they fail?  What is your experience with the church? Do you see a body full of love for one another? Do you see peace or division? What can you do to bring peace and love to your local church?

Prayer Prompt: Prince of Peace, empty me of myself and fill me with you so that I may bring glory to you. Bring peace in my heart and let it overflow to my team, family, church, and everyone I meet. Bring peace through the church, so the world will see us and know your love.