In our Bible Talk we have been going through the Fruits of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
So far, I have written about Love and Joy. (Check out those posts at Love, Love, Love, and Have a Joyful and Happy Day.) This past week, Brad and I led a discussion on Peace.
What Is Peace?
Step 1: What it’s not…
When we first started thinking about the gift of peace and what it meant, I immediately thought of what life looks like when I don’t have Peace – it’s not pretty… All of these words just started flowing into my head – fear, worry, anxiety, distress, war, chaos, pain, discontentment…
Not one of those elicits a pleasant image or feeling.
So, I quickly looked up the definition of Peace to help refocus my brain on those ideas.
Step 2: What it is…
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Peace is defined as:
- a state of tranquility or quiet
- freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
- harmony in personal relations
- a state of mutual concord between governments
- an interjection to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell
As I was reading through the different meanings, I had a stream of much more soothing terms enter my brain – calm, restfulness, serenity, composure, ease, contentment, settled…
How wonderful does that all sound??
One of the members of our Bible Talk is an avid snowboarder. When we were talking about our experiences with Peace, he likened it to the feeling he gets when going down the mountain. It’s a perfect rhythm, without conscious effort.
For Brad, it’s more about being content and at ease. During his solitude trip, he read the book, Contentment, by Dr. Richard Swenson. In the book, Swenson lays out ways to work towards being truly content. So, to apply those principles to Peace, I think it really involves being satisfied.
But, I also know these feelings don’t come from us. So, to make sure I didn’t let my own ideas guide our discussion, I once again went to the ultimate authority – my Bible.
Peace Be With You…
There are many verses that reference Peace. Often it was used as a form of a blessing and part of a greeting. And, frequently, Jesus spoke about Peace through him and with his Father.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Paul also wrote about Peace as a gift from God to those in the Thessalonica church and all believers everywhere.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Finally, John wrote a greeting to a church involving many gifts from God.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3
In these verses, Jesus, Paul, and John all talk about how Peace comes from God and His Son.
So, Peace has been given to us as a gift from God.
How to Accept Peace?
If God gives us the gift, how do we accept it?
Easy – we follow His plan.
Well, easier said than done. But, really, all we need to do is be who God calls us to be, and do what He calls us to do. We need to listen to and follow God.
Paul tells us that –
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
And how are we governed by the Spirit?
We trust in God. We trust His plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and strive to follow it every day. We use our gifts to glorify Him doing good works. We repent and are baptized.
Then, the Holy Spirit works in us, and we can have Peace.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Now what?
I would like to think that if someone offered me a life of Peace and comfort, I would jump at the chance to accept it every time. But, my sinful nature has often had a mind of its own. Too many times I have fought against the very thing that God offers to make my life so much easier.
Now, even though I have been baptized, I don’t always allow the Holy Spirit to guide me as I should. I foolishly fight and try to steer my own way. Why do I choose fear and worry over peace and ease?
I have no good answer. Instead, all I can do is pray. Pray for strength to accept His plan – even though I don’t know all of the turns coming my way. I need to be content and satisfied with the knowledge that He’s got me and I will be taken care of no matter what.
Now, that is true Peace.
Your thoughts?
What do you think? How can we best experience the gift of Peace? I would love to hear the verses that you have found that help you live in Peace. I can’t wait to hear from all of you!
