Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings. NIVUK

The ”full restoration” Paul calls for, and prays for, looks like ‘love’: a people living together in unity and harmony. It is a fact that if we want to experience the reality of ”the God of love and peace” being with us, we have to work at living in love and peace. Is there any real happiness, or rest, in a home riven by conflict?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18; see also the verses around this text).

We all have our part to play. May the Tri-une God fill us with His ”grace” and ”love” by ”the Holy Spirit” (14).