When Saint Paul exhorts believers to "let the peace of Christ rule (or control) in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15) and emphasizes love as the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14), he's advocating for a specific way of living and making decisions guided by faith. Here's a breakdown of what he's teaching:
1. The Peace of Christ as Umpire/Referee:
* More than just feeling calm: The Greek word for "rule" or "control" (βραβευέτω, *brabeueto*) is related to the term for the umpire or referee in athletic contests. Paul isn't simply saying, "feel peaceful." He's suggesting that when facing decisions or conflicts, believers should allow the peace that comes from Christ to act as an *objective standard* to guide their choices.
* Discernment tool: This peace isn't just a passive emotion; it's an active, discerning force. If a course of action disrupts your inner peace, that's a strong indication it might not be aligned with God's will. Conversely, a sense of peace can confirm you're on the right path.
* Decision-Making Framework: When faced with a tough choice, ask yourself:
* Would this action promote peace between me and others?
* Would it promote peace within myself (in terms of my conscience and my relationship with God)?
* Is this action consistent with the overall message of reconciliation and peace found in the Gospel?
2. Love as the Bond of Perfection:
* Love Unites: Love (ἀγάπη, *agape*) is not just an emotion but a commitment to the well-being of others, even when it's difficult. It binds believers together in unity. Paul sees love as the essential ingredient for a healthy Christian community.
* Perfection of Character: Love enables Christians to live lives that are mature and complete. By practicing love, we fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) and embody the character of God, who is love (1 John 4:8).
* Transcending Differences: Love helps believers to overcome differences and forgive one another. In the context of Colossians, Paul is urging a diverse group of believers to live in harmony, transcending ethnic, social, and cultural divisions.
3. Combined Application - How it Works in Practice:
* Prioritize Peace and Love in Relationships: Paul is speaking within the context of community and relationships. He wants believers to actively cultivate peace and love in their interactions with one another. Forgive quickly, be patient, and seek reconciliation.
* Make Choices Consistent with God's Character: Decisions should reflect the character of God, who is loving, merciful, and just. Actively seek to embody those traits in all you do.
* Counteracting Division: Both love and peace are essential for overcoming division and conflict, whether it's in a church, a family, or a broader society.
4. Key Implications:
* Inner Transformation: Paul's teaching suggests that true Christian living involves an inner transformation where our hearts are progressively aligned with the values of peace and love.
* Active Pursuit: Peace and love are not passive experiences. They are values that believers must actively pursue.
* Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Cultivating love and experiencing the peace of Christ often requires relying on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
* Practical Application: It is meant to be a very practical guide to decision making in the everyday life of a believer.
In essence, Paul is calling believers to live intentionally, allowing the peace of Christ to guide their decisions and love to shape their relationships, thereby creating harmonious and Christ-like communities. He is asking us to allow love and peace not just to be feelings, but active principles that *control* our actions and guide our decisions.