Just as trees produce certain fruits, Christians must produce certain qualities and characteristics on a daily basis. These qualities and characteristics are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and are identified as “the fruit of the Spirit.” The third fruit that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce is peace. What does the New Testament have to say about peace?
First, we must realize that we serve a “God of peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Speaking of Jesus, Paul writes, “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
Second, we must understand that the God of peace offers peace to all of humanity through Jesus. As the prayer of 2 Thessalonians 3:16 states, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” In Acts 10:36, Peter was “preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ.” Jesus came to earth in order “to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). Jesus “came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17). Jesus made “peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20). When we are justified by faith, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Who God is and what God offers to humanity should completely transform the way that we live. As a result of who God is and how He interacts with us, we are to “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). We are to “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” (Colossians 3:15). In our relationships with others, we are to “strive for peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14). Jesus teaches His followers to “be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50). We are to set our minds on the Spirit because “to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). In the midst of difficulty and pain, we access God’s peace through prayer; as Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). There will be “peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek” (Romans 2:10). Truly, “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).
We live within a time where peace can be difficult to find and hold on to. What is robbing you of peace? In what ways do you need to pursue peace? This week, let’s set our focus on being at peace with God, ourselves, and one another.
-Tyler Alverson
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