The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is Peace?
Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. It is an inner calm and tranquility that comes from being reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The peace of God surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). As followers of Christ, we are called to live in peace with others and strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3).
What is Biblical Peace?
Biblical peace (Hebrew: shalom, Greek: eirene) refers to completeness, soundness, and well-being. It encompasses the sense of contentment, wholeness, and harmony that comes through a right relationship with God. Peace in the Bible is often associated with the Messianic hope of reconciling and restoring relationships. True peace ultimately comes from recognizing Jesus as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and following his teachings.
Peace with God
Sin separates us from God and disrupts our relationship with him (Isaiah 59:2). The good news is that Christ made peace with God through his sacrificial death on the cross. He brought us near to God by his blood and reconciled us to him (Ephesians 2:13-16). When we repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ, we are no longer enemies of God but beloved children at peace with him. We gain access to his grace and rejoice in the hope of sharing in his glory (Romans 5:1-2). The peace of God rules in our hearts when Christ is Lord of our lives (Colossians 3:15).
Peace with Others
As believers, we are called to live at peace with others as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Peacemaking honors Christ and improves relationships. We must not repay evil with evil but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). A peaceful life comes from exercising godly wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit (James 3:17-18). We must strive to maintain the bond of unity through peace, forgiving others as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:3, 32). Being a peacemaker reflects Christ-like character.
Inner Peace
While the world offers superficial peace, Jesus gives enduring peace. He told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). This inner peace surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts against anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). It flows from reconciling our relationships, obeying Christ’s commands, and trusting his promises. As we abide in Christ, his perfect peace drives out fear from our lives (1 John 4:18). We can experience this spiritual peace as we prayerfully give our concerns to God and focus our thoughts on heavenly things (Philippians 4:6-8).
God’s peace in difficult times
Followers of Christ are not exempt from tribulation and hardships in this world. Yet God promises to guard our hearts with his perfect peace when we keep our minds fixed on him (Isaiah 26:3-4). By prayerfully giving our worries to God, we can rise above anxious thoughts and experience supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7). This peace of God transcends human logic and sustains us in sickness, persecution, grief, and loss. We can have hope in suffering by keeping an eternal perspective (Romans 5:1-5). God fills us with his peace as we trust in his sovereign plan.
The blessing of peace
A key blessing for obeying God’s commands is the gift of peace. As we walk in God’s wisdom, our families and communities will dwell in peace (Psalm 119:165). Seeking peace and pursuing it brings joy and comfort. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Our witness for Christ is most compelling when others see the peace of God in us, even during trials. We serve the God of peace who equips us to do his will (Hebrews 13:20-21). Our lives can display the fruit of peace as we surrender to the Spirit’s control day by day.
Christian perspective on peace
The world’s view of peace is avoiding conflict and seeking comfort. But biblical peace goes much deeper since it flows from restoring our relationship with God. Lasting peace is found in Christ alone, the one who reconciled all things to himself (Colossians 1:19-20). While we await the fullness of God’s peace in eternity, we can experience substantial peace now as we walk with the Spirit in obedience to Christ. His peace surpasses human understanding and sustains us amidst life’s troubles as we keep our minds fixed on him.
How to experience the peace of God
The peace of God is a precious gift Jesus offers his followers. Here are some biblical ways to experience the peace of Christ in daily life:
– Repent of all known sin and receive God’s forgiveness through Christ (Isaiah 27:5, Romans 5:1). Unconfessed sin obstructs peace.
– Spend time daily in God’s Word and prayer (Psalm 119:165). Scripture meditating fills minds with divine truth instead of anxious thoughts.
– Trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness in every situation (Isaiah 26:3-4). He works all things for good.
– Obey the Spirit’s guidance with sensitive conscience (Galatians 5:22-23). Disobedience forfeits peace.
– Dwell on whatever is excellent, praiseworthy, and true (Philippians 4:8-9). Our thoughts shape our inner life.
– Bring requests to God with thanksgiving and believing prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Gratitude and faith please God.
– Pursue peace, grace and holiness in all relationships (Hebrews 12:14, Romans 14:19). Unity pleases God.
– Keep an eternal perspective and hope in Christ (John 16:33, Romans 5:1-5). This life is temporary.
– Walk daily by the Spirit who produces His fruit in us (Galatians 5:16-17,22-23). Apart from Christ we can do nothing.
The spiritual discipline of regularly practicing these grace-empowered habits opens our hearts to receive more of Christ’s peace.
Biblical examples of peace
Throughout Scripture we find inspiring examples of people who experienced God’s peace in the midst of trying circumstances:
– Horatio Spafford wrote the beloved hymn “It Is Well” after losing his four daughters at sea, expressing deep peace in God amid tragedy.
– After being betrayed and falsely imprisoned, Joseph chose forgiveness rather than bitterness, trusting God’s purpose (Genesis 45:5-8).
– Peter and John boldly shared the gospel with gentleness and respect after being flogged and imprisoned for their faith (Acts 4:23-31).
– Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors while they stoned him to death, modeling Jesus’ gracious peace (Acts 7:59-60).
– Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise while unjustly imprisoned, testimony to their resilient peace from God (Acts 16:25).
– Before his death Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Even on the cross, he exemplified peace.
These examples remind us that through faith in Christ we can experience God’s comfort and contentment independent of circumstances. The peace he gives transcends human understanding.
Hindrances to experiencing God’s peace
While Christ’s followers have access to supernatural peace, certain attitudes and actions can disrupt our enjoyment of this promised gift:
– Unresolved bitterness, unforgiveness (Hebrews 12:14-15). These provide an open foothold for the enemy.
– Prayerlessness, neglecting time in God’s Word (John 16:33). Spiritual strength fades without communion with the Lord.
– Anxious, uncontrolled thoughts (Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-8). Focused worrying can become a stronghold.
– Disobedience, unconfessed sin (Psalm 119:165, Isaiah 48:18). Defiance blocks the Spirit’s work.
– Self-reliance rather than trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-6). He is our source of peace.
– Superficial peace not rooted in reconciliation with Christ (Ephesians 2:14-17). Worldly peace is fleeting.
– Dwelling on negative things (Philippians 4:8-9). What occupies our thoughts directs our inner life.
– Prideful self-promotion (James 3:13-18). Humility and peace go hand in hand.
As we identify such peace “thieves” in our lives, we can decisively turn from them and receive God’s forgiveness and grace to walk unhindered in his joy and peace.
Peace in Relationships
Because peace is relational at heart, our human connections deeply impact our inner peace. We can nurture peaceful relationships by:
– Forgiving others as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Letting go of grudges provides great freedom.
– Focusing on what is admirable in others (Philippians 4:8). This leads to appreciation rather than criticism.
– Considering others’ interests and needs (Philippians 2:4-5). Avoiding selfishness cultivates peace.
– Speaking graciously (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:1). Gentle words diffuse anger.
– Praying together regularly. Couples and families draw closer to God and each other.
– Seeking unity and restored relationships (Matthew 5:23-24). Pride should not hinder making peace.
Healthy biblical peace grows as we nurture harmony in all our relationships through the Spirit’s empowerment.
Peace in the Church
Peace and unity among believers provide compelling witness to the love and power of Christ. Scripture offers much guidance for pursuing peace in the church:
– Have humble, servant-hearted love for one another (John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:3-4). This powerful witness unifies.
– Build others up with gracious, wholesome speech (Ephesians 4:29). Avoid gossip and slander.
– Bear with one another patiently (Colossians 3:12-13). Show grace.
– Live in Gospel harmony, accepting those Christ accepted (Romans 15:7). Celebrate unity in Christ.
– Avoid selfish ambition and conceit (Philippians 2:3). Pursue lowliness and defer to others.
– Reconcile offenses quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). Swiftly make peace a priority.
– Focus on Christ above all else (Colossians 3:15-17). He is the Head of the church.
The spiritual fruit of peace enriches our lives and churches as we purpose to obey biblical guidance for harmony and unity among followers of Jesus. This brings glory to God.
Peace in the World
The messianic prophecy that the government would rest on the shoulders of the Prince of Peace was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7). As believers, we have the privilege of representing the reign of the peace-bringing Messiah in a conflict-filled world. We do this by:
– Reflecting Christlike grace and truth in word and deed (John 1:14, Colossians 4:6). This gains a hearing.
– Boldly sharing the Gospel of reconciliation and peace (Ephesians 6:15). The good news changes hearts.
– Disarming enemies with undeserved love (Luke 6:27-36). Blessing diffuses hostility.
– Pursuing justice and defending the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17). Injustice hinders lasting peace.
– Training peacemakers who sow righteousness (Matthew 5:9, James 3:18). Peace spreads this way.
– Prayerfully overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21). Love conquers malice.
Just as Jesus brought supernatural peace during his earthly ministry, he empowers his church to advance the message and impact of peace in a broken world. Our peace-filled lives can make an eternal difference as salt and light.
ThePrince of Peace
Christ alone deserves the supreme title “Prince of Peace” because he accomplished our peace with God and exemplified perfect peace, even unto death. Through his sacrifice he reconciled all things to God, making eternal peace possible (Colossians 1:19-20). The divine peace Jesus displayed during betrayal and crucifixion verifies his power to give lasting peace to believers in every generation and circumstance. Only the Prince of Peace could pray for the forgiveness of those crucifying him (Luke 23:34). Our hope of unshakable peace rests completely on him. The Gospel grants peace with God to all who place their faith in the Prince of Peace, for “he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). The church experiences this peace and showcases Christ’s eternal peace to a conflict-ridden world.
Complete reliance on Jesus is essential because “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As Dr. Charles Stanley notes, “Because Christ is the source of real peace…the closer we come to Him, the more fully we will experience His peace, joy, and contentment.” The Holy Spirit produces His fruit of peace in those who abide in Christ through the Word (John 15:7, Galatians 5:22-23). God’s peace flows continually to believers through maintaining harmony with the Lord.
We have hope of deepening peace as we come to Christ daily with grateful and believing prayer. Experiencing lasting peace in relationships and community also requires us to extend the grace and mercy we have received, forgiving others as readily as God has forgiven us. The healing balm of God’s peace can spread as we relinquish bitterness and humbly pursue unity. Our lives and churches give compelling witness when others see Jesus’ supernatural peace in us, even during trials and injustice.
Though insurmountable global conflict often discourages, we can confidently represent the Prince of Peace who has already won the ultimate victory. As chosen ambassadors of Christ, the church continues his ministry of sharing and demonstrating peace that passes understanding. The Prince of Peace who calmed storms with a word calms troubled hearts as we trust fully in him. His promised gift of peace will one day reign undisturbed, when the Prince of Peace returns to make all things new. Maranatha!