The Bible sums up Christian behavior in Galatians 5 for us, giving us 9 fruits displayed by the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us, that are displayed in us when we yield ourselves to Him. The third fruit of the Spirit is peace.
The biblical concept of peace means "to be complete" or "to be sound." We are made complete in Christ, Colossians 2:10, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
Man has been trying to establish and maintain 'peace' since the beginning of time. Everyone has their own ideas of what peace is or what would create peace, but there is only one, true source of peace.
God alone is the source of peace, He is Jehovahshalom.
The Lord established a covenant of peace with us, which was sealed with His presence. We have been given perfect peace so long as we maintain a right relationship with the Lord, Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"
Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". I think a lot of people get peace confused with contentment. Contentment is circumstantial, where as peace, true peace, only comes from God as we see in the above Scriptures, which we can have regardless of our circumstances.
Jesus also said in John 16:33," These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Because Jesus has overcome the world, we have been given everything we need to 'overcome' any situation that arises in our lives. The very power that raised Him from dead is alive within us through the Holy Spirit; all we need to do is call upon Him, His peace is available 24/7.
Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Ephesians 2:14 "...For he is our peace"
II Thessalonians 3:16 "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all"
Because Christ is the Lord of peace, and has overcome the world, we have no excuse not to be at peace with those around us. Mark 9:50b "...have peace one with another."
Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Remember when Peter asked the Lord to bid him to walk out onto the sea to Him? As long as he kept his eyes on Christ, and not the storm, he was able to walk on water ... he had peace because he was focused on Christ, thus, he was spiritually minded. It is the same with us. It can be very hard when we are in a valley or going through a dry season to keep focused on Christ and not the situation, but when we do that valley or dry season is so much easier to get through, and we definatly have more peace about it.
I Thessalonians 5:13 "...be at peace among yourselves."
II Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Hebrews 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
James 3:18 "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." When we sow peace, we have peace; if we are around someone who is angry, and we remain peaceful it is counted for us as righteousness, and it is a very good way to defuse a situation.
II Peter 3:14 "...be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless"
Romans 12:18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
I Corinthians 7:15 "...God hath called us to peace."
I Peter 3:11 "....seek peace, and ensue it."
I Timothy 2:2 "....that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." This is what I want, a quiet, peaceable life in godliness and honesty, and I can have it, and so can you, we need only to keep our focus on Christ, and everything we need to live a godly, honest, quiet, peaceful life is already there for us.
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
This perfect peace is available to everyone, but only through Jesus Christ. Real peace cannot be found in money, things, social status, your job, family, church, or any other way, only through Jesus Christ. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, why not call upon Him today, right now?
There is nothing you can say, feel or think that He doesn't already know; there is nothing you have done, or ever will do, that will make His love for you stop; He knows all about you already, and He still loves you. You were on His mind that day He hung on that cross. Asking Jesus to be your Savior is the simplest, and best thing you will ever do in your life, not only will all of your sins be forgiven {and forgotten!}, but you will have the Holy Spirit living in you to lead, guide and direct you, you will have the Father's love, you will be adopted into God's family, you will have real joy, and true peace. AND .. you will spend eternity with Christ!
If you are ready to ask Jesus to be your Savior, pray this prayer or one similar -
Dear Jesus,
I know I am sinner, please forgive me of my sins. Jesus, I know You are the Son of God, born of a virgin, and that You died on the cross for the sins of the world, and arose again on the third day. Please come into my heart, and be Lord of my life and my Savior. I love You, I trust You, and I want to honor You will my life.
Thank You Lord Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen!
If you prayed that prayer, or one similar, please send me an email so I can rejoice with you and pray for you in your new life in Christ!
I am doing this same study with the children's Sunday school class. I saw a really cute Fruit of the Spirit banner on Pinterest someone else had made using stamps and water colors, and came up with my own version for my kids to make. I am letting my class paint their banners, but they could be colored with crayons and pencils too! Each week I'll share one 'fruit' for the banner with you so you can make your own! You may download your copy of PEACE by clicking on the image below!
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Jenn
In a world that is full of turmoil and conflict (and seems to be getting worse), I'm so glad that peace isn't dependent on us and what we can do, but comes from the Spirit and is the fruit of a life dependent on Him. Thanks for your encouraging post!
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