The next-to-last (though I am sure others exist) duty we have to one another is found in 1st Thessalonians 5:13. This is the twenty-second Lesson in our current series of Bible Studies, counting the Introduction.

“And be at peace among yourselves.” Again, this is 1st Thessalonians 5:13, though just the verse’s latter half. I might be “stretching” things a bit … but “among yourselves” is essentially “one to another.”

The verb “be at peace” (one of only 4 words in the Greek Sentence) is an imperative. A blatant command. “Blatant” here means “very obvious.” The Latin “blatero” means “I speak, talk, blabber!” See our colloquial word “blab” therein! The Apostle Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) issues dozens and dozens of commands like this one in his compendious writings.

Yes indeed, we are demanded of the Lord to “be at peace” with one another, we Christians!

And the “heart” of the verb “eireneuo” (“be at peace”) is “eiro,” which means “to join” together two factions that once were disunited, if not downright warring.

Be joined together!

Be “one” in the Lord.

Like a human body, many parts, many members … yet one unit, one organism!

Ah, here is the verse I need. “That there should be no schism (the opposite of “eiro”) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1st Corinthians 12:25, where “schism” (in Greek “schisma”) means “a tear, a break, fracture, division.”

The same thought, yet again. “When ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions (“schisma” again) among you; and I partly believe it.” Paul to the Corinthians who were divided on many an issue! This is 1st Corinthians 11:18.

“Among yourselves,” the Text’s closing words, expresses the Greek “en heatou.” Literally “in” yourselves, plural. Every single member of the Church … clothed “in” peace … as far as his or her relationship with every other member is concerned!

So … there is the Christian blessing of “peace with God.”

And consequently, “peace with my brethren!”

These are only possible if one has experienced (at the moment of salvation) … the “Peace of God” deep within his or her heart!

I close … until Monday, the Lord willing.

Amen.

“And be at peace among yourselves.”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, one more thing. “Be at peace,” that verb, is in the active voice. I must expend some energy, effort, to make it happen! It is not an automatic condition, due to a halo around my head or something!