“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
We live in a world where it feels like anxiety is the air we breathe. Stress is normal. Worry is expected. Restlessness has become a way of life. People long for peace, but most only know how to chase temporary relief, whether a vacation, a distraction, a quick fix, or a moment of quiet that disappears as soon as life presses in again.
But the peace of God, the next fruit of the Spirit, is not a fragile escape from life’s pressures. It is a supernatural calm that holds steady in the midst of the storm. Jesus promised this kind of peace in John 14:27: “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.” The world gives peace by removing problems, but Jesus gives peace in the middle of them.
Biblical peace is more than the absence of conflict or inner calm; it is wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being. The Hebrew word shalom, often translated as peace, carries a sense of completeness, a soul secure in the care of God.
In Philippians 4:7, the Apostle Paul describes it like this: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace transcends understanding; it doesn’t always make sense. Peace guards your heart and mind; it defends against fear and anxiety. Peace is rooted in Christ Jesus, not in circumstances. With the true peace of God, you can be surrounded by chaos and still stand calm. You can be in the middle of uncertainty and still feel secure. You can face loss and grief and yet not collapse because God is holding you.
But peace isn't something we manufacture; it is something God gives. It flows from knowing who He is, believing what He has promised, and trusting His heart even when we do not understand His ways. Before we can experience the peace of God, we must first receive peace with God, which is restored through the salvation that is only found through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Once we have peace from God, then we can begin to experience relational peace with others. This fruit of the Spirit not only calms our hearts toward God, but also softens our hearts toward people. Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We cannot control other people’s responses, but we can control ours. Spirit-filled peace reconciles, forgives, listens, and seeks unity over winning arguments.
But if peace is a gift from God, why do so many believers struggle to live in it? Because peace is constantly attacked by fear when we are not fully trusting in God for all things. Fear gets us to ask the questions, “What if this goes wrong? What if God doesn’t come through?” Our sin disrupts peace in our lives. Anything that separates us from God also separates us from His true peace in our lives. When peace feels distant, the Holy Spirit invites us to come near to God; not to try harder in our own strength, but to surrender more deeply.
The peace of God is not just comfort; it is direction and protection. In Colossians 3:15, Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” The word “rule” has the idea of acting like an umpire. Peace can be a signal for us as we live our lives. When peace fills your heart, move forward. When peace withdraws, pause and seek God. The Spirit’s peace is often God’s way of guiding us.
In a frightened, anxious world, peace can also be powerful evangelism. A peaceful Christian stands out. Others may panic, but you are trusting God. Others may complain, but you give thanks for what God is doing in the midst of difficulties. Others may lash out in anger, but you respond with gentleness. Others may crumble under burdens, but you remain steady in Christ. People notice these things. When we live with Spirit-filled peace, the world sees something different in us – they see Jesus.
But there are seasons in life when peace feels distant or maybe even impossible. But having God’s peace does not mean we never struggle; it means that God is present in the struggle. Sometimes the most powerful peace is not a feeling, but a decision to trust God no matter what. Our emotions may go up and down like a roller coaster, but our faith in Christ holds us steady and will bring us to that place of peace.
While peace is a fruit of the Spirit, we can actively participate in cultivating it. We can pursue peace by fixing our minds on God. When we focus on God and trust Him, we will shut out the worries of this world and experience His peace. We can also counteract anxiety through prayer, building that relationship with God, and handing over our burdens to Him. Meditating on Scripture, practicing gratitude, and even intentionally resting and spending time with God will also encourage the Spirit’s peace in our lives.
Where is your heart restless today? What is one step you can take today to slow down and rest in God’s presence? Who in your life needs peace that you can help bring through prayer, forgiveness, or encouragement?
This forum is meant to foster discussion and allow for differing viewpoints to be explored with equal and respectful consideration. All comments are moderated and any foul language or threatening/abusive comments will not be approved. Users who engage in threatening or abusive comments which are physically harmful in nature will be reported to the authorities.
1 comments:
Thank you for showing me that Peace is an action, not just a feeling. It is also a knowing. Praise God! 🙌🏼
Post a Comment