“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
“I (Jesus) am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
Peace is a fruit that I desperately need in my life all of the time. The peace that Jesus gave me, and the Spirit has planted within me, does not rely on outer circumstances or situations. This peace does not start in my body or soul (mind). It comes out of my reborn spirit and works its way into my mind and body. It is not something that I can produce on my own. I simply need to receive it as a gift and allow it to flow through me.
The concept of peace in both the Old and New Testaments is rooted in the Hebrew concept of Shalom. According to Wikipedia, “Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם shalom; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility.” According to Jewish scholars it carries the foundational idea of having nothing missing and nothing broken. The Apostle John was sharing this concept of shalom (peace and prosperity for the whole person) when he wrote, ” I wish above all things that you prosper, and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” According to the Apostle Paul, it is the “Gospel of Peace” that I am to share with those I meet.
Like all of the other fruit, peace is not something that I have to work for. The only work that is required is learning how to rest in the Spirit. Once I am at peace “with” God (Salvation) then I am free to experience the peace “of” God (Shalom). This peace guards both my heart and mind from turmoil regardless of anything that I am facing.
Experiencing peace is a huge reason for me to latch on to…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 44: “I am a Fruit Grower in the Kingdom of Heaven (quality fruit to give away).” Part 4: Peace