The “readiness of the gospel of peace” refers to being spiritually prepared to share the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This readiness comes from having the gospel of peace firmly planted in our own hearts and lives.
In Ephesians 6:15, Paul instructs believers to have their “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” as part of the spiritual armor God provides. The Roman soldiers of the day wore sandals or boots studded with nails for traction and readiness in battle. For the Christian, readiness comes from the firm footing provided by the gospel of peace.
The “gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15) refers to the good news that, through Jesus’ death on the cross, believers can have peace with God (Romans 5:1). Those who place their faith in Christ alone for salvation are no longer enemies of God but are adopted into His family (Romans 8:15-17). The enmity caused by sin has been removed through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross (Ephesians 2:16).
When our lives are firmly rooted in the gospel of peace, we gain traction and readiness to share this good news with others. The peace of God guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), allowing us to be spiritually prepared to spread the hope of the gospel.
This readiness involves being equipped in the Word of God. We must know what the gospel is and how to explain the message of salvation clearly (1 Peter 3:15). Regular intake of Scripture prepares us to give answers about our faith. It equips us with the words of life that can remove doubts and lead others to salvation (Hebrews 4:12).
The readiness of the gospel comes from allowing it to transform our relationships and how we interact with others. Those reconciled to God through Christ are called to be ministers of reconciliation, sharing the message of forgiveness and restored relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). If the gospel does not lead us to be reconciled with others, our sharing of it will ring hollow.
This readiness also involves living out the gospel of peace in everyday life. Our actions should reflect the inner peace and joy we have in Christ. We must aim to live at peace with others (Romans 12:18), turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), forgiving as we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and showing grace and love. When others see the gospel lived out, our message will have credibility.
Sharing the gospel requires dependence on the Spirit of God. We do not witness in our own power but in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). The Spirit prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel and gives us the right words to say (Luke 12:11-12). Part of our readiness is praying for open doors and the Spirit’s leading in our witness.
We also must be ready to endure rejection or persecution, keeping our footing firm. Jesus warned that sharing the gospel can bring opposition (Matthew 10:16-25). Standing on the gospel of peace allows us to responds with grace (1 Peter 3:15-16). Our readiness comes from knowing our security rests in God alone.
In summary, the readiness of the gospel of peace involves:
- Having hearts firmly rooted in the truths of the gospel ourselves
- Being equipped in sharing the message of salvation clearly
- Allowing the gospel to transform our relationships and interactions
- Living out the gospel in our everyday lives
- Praying for open doors and relying on the Spirit’s leading
- Being prepared to endure rejection and/or persecution
When our lives are firmly planted in the gospel of peace, we gain traction to share these truths with courage, wisdom, grace, and dependence on the Spirit. This readiness comes ultimately from God Himself. As Paul says elsewhere, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). Fitting our feet with the gospel of peace allows us to walk worthy of our calling with readiness to spread the hope of Christ.
The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Romans 1:16). When this good news permeates our hearts and lives, it generates a passion and readiness to share it with others. Believers have the high calling and privilege of being Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Understanding the gospel of peace and relying on the Spirit’s empowerment leads to a readiness to fulfill this calling effectively.
Our readiness also grows as we partner with other believers. The early church gathered to pray for boldness in witness (Acts 4:23-31). They supported and encouraged each other in the work of spreading the gospel. Joining with other believers provides accountability, correction, exhortation, and inspiration to share our faith. Christian community plays a key role in fostering readiness.
In conclusion, standing firm in the gospel of peace allows believers to gain traction and effectiveness in sharing the good news of Christ. This readiness comes ultimately from God’s work in our hearts and reliance on the Spirit’s empowerment. As we put on the gospel of peace like a sturdy pair of shoes, we are spiritually equipped to walk worthy of our calling to spread the hope of salvation to a world in need.
