Then the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In our discussion of the Parables today, our patristics expert informed us that the word guard does not only mean "protect," but also "confine, keep in custody," so that the heart does not spill out any of its worst contents on others, such as unkindness or contention. I had never thought of it in those terms.
In my case, that is the more important meaning. I can endure the unkindness and contention of others pretty well. But I am also prone to leaving that door unbolted (or even ajar) from the inside, leaving others at higher risk.
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