Part 3-Peace
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25
On my way home the other day it seemed as if every crazy driver, texter and weaver was in either in my lane or next to me. Then there was the train blocking the road, a pile of bills in the mailbox and the realization I was out of bread when I finally got home. When I left work, all I wanted was to go home, have dinner and enjoy some peace and quiet. However, that didn’t happen. The neighbors were out, and the dog was barking at them, and a chicken kept staring at me from the window.
Peace is a big word. It has many meanings; I had no idea until I began to study. Often when we hear the word peace we immediately think of the absence of war or tranquility, and these are correct. In the Bible there are 5 types of peace that we should be actively striving to incorporate in our walk with Jesus.
Peace with God, (Romans 5:1). This peace comes through faith in Jesus. Without this peace, you cannot experience any other kind of peace. First, we must make peace with God. There is no peace without righteousness. Our righteousness comes by confessing, repentance, and accepting the gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection.
Peace with others, (Philippians 4:7-9). We are created for fellowship with God and with others. Cultivating relationships is important to maintaining peace. As Christians we are called to be peacemakers, and it is our duty to live peacefully with all. In Hebrews 12:14 we are reminded that without pursuance of peace, no will see the Lord.
Peace with yourself, (2 Corinthians 13:11). You cannot have a healthy relationship with others or God if you do not have a healthy relationship with yourself. Unless you learn to love and accept yourself finding peace and compassion for others will not be possible. It is not selfish to be kind and loving to yourself. You are God’s creation, he loves you so much he gave his son, Jesus to make a way so that he can spend eternity with you. If he loves you that much, obviously you are worth loving.
Peace in your home, (Psalm 128:3). The family was created as a special place for individuals to experience God’s love. The family is an illustration of what God planned for us. The love of the father for his wife and children is illustrative of our heavenly father’s love, protection, and provision for us. The harmonious family and home is a refuge for its members, much as God is our refuge. When we are part of a nurturing and kind household, we enjoy being together. This environment makes things easier for us as we navigate through the difficulties of life. Experiencing peace at home helps us to promote peace to others in our lives.
Peace from salvation, (Romans 5:1). If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savor and allowed him to enter your heart, he gives you a new life in him. You do not need to worry or stress because God has solved all our problems through Christ. Your future is not this earth but heaven. No matter what happens here, your future is in heaven. Peace is not contingent on things going well, God’s peace gives us calmness and confidence so we can face all situations.
I am not saying that you will never have problems or heartache. There will be problems and trials however with the inner calmness of peace in your heart, regardless of what happens around you, it becomes easier to deal with difficult situations. This peace reassures us that God is in charge.
Though peace is a gift from God, peace is also a choice, we must actively pursue peace with one another, ourselves and in our homes.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled nor let them be afraid.”
Make peace a habit in your life.
Shalom, Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 