August Memory Verse

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14

The epistle to the Hebrews is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul. However, since the third century, Bible scholars are suggesting the author of this New Testament book is unknown. This passage is described as one of encouragement and warning, asking us to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.

What does it mean to live in peace? “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart” (author unknown). We are given the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. No other tools are needed to live in peace with ourselves and others.

How do we live a holy life? Jesus is the only human being (who happened to be fully divine as well!) who has ever lived a truly holy life and therefore is our model for holiness. As Christians, we are made holy by receiving Christ through faith. Then, in response to God’s unmerited favor for us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we seek to live in faithfulness to everything God has commanded us.

To be holy, we must be obedient at all times and strive to be free of sin (John 14:15). God is the only One whose holiness is absolute all the time, and He is the only One Who truly knows what it means to be holy. As believers, we accept the fact that personal holiness is a necessity and strive for it always; thus, we must live our lives to please and glorify the God we love through faith.

In this passage, our Savior has provided us a method and directions on how to see Him and be with Him. At some time in our lives, we have all been blessed to have lived in peace with someone. Reflect on those times and continue to seek those opportunities in the future, as that behavior will lead to peace and holiness, which will result in seeing the Lord.

by Elder Dave Nichols