The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Peace
THIRD IN MY TEACHING SERIES ON THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
“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
Overcoming Anxiety And Conflict
The Bible never promises that we will escape the storms of life. Itt does, however, promise us peace and protection in the midst of those storms. Peace is the third portion of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Every human heart yearns for it. Jesus promised His disciples,
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” John 14:27
The Greek word for peace (eirënë) in this verse means more than living a life with no conflict or being quiet, still, and at rest. It is used for the calmness that a relationship, family, group, business, or community enjoys when it has a caring, competent, and secure leader. Having this kind of peace means having tranquility in your heart that originates from the understanding that your life is truly in the hands of a loving God. It means experiencing quiet in your inner self.
Peace Is Not The Absence Of Conflict
Having peace doesn’t mean that you will not have conflict, stress, or difficult times. For some, becoming Christians and living godly lives have brought more difficulty and pain than they would have experienced as non-Christians. While in prison Paul wrote,
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” Philippians 4:11
When the fruit of peace is produced within us by the Holy Spirit, we can live life to the fullest, having an inner peace in spite of our circumstances. As we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit and understand that He will be with us in every situation, we will be more at rest and anxiety will be further away.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ and realize that He is always loving us, interceding for us, and caring for us, our deep sense of peace will be more consistent in whatever life brings. While in a very difficult place in life, Paul wrote,
“The Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
We can see that our peace comes from the one to whom we are connected. And therefore unbelievers cannot experience or understand the unexplainable peace believers enjoy.
In Spite Of Circumstances
Peace doesn’t come as a result of changing our circumstances. Rather, it is a supernatural power that flows through us and pushes out turmoil, worry, and anxiety. Immediately upon becoming born again we sense peace in our lives. But because of life’s battles, trials, and difficulties, our focus can be thrown off. That is probably why Paul wrote in Colossians 3:15-16 that we are to “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” and “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.”
We must not allow life’s circumstances to rob us of our peace. Rather, we must determine to cling to the promises of God’s word so that our hearts and minds are guarded from worry, anxiety, and fear. With time, maturity, and a growing trust in God, we can learn to be “content whatever the circumstances.”
Paul repeatedly writes in his letters, “Grace and peace to you.” He doesn’t say, “Peace and grace to you.” It is as if he is saying that we can never begin to experience true peace until we have experienced God’s grace through salvation. Paul desires that his brothers and sisters grow in God’s grace, because he is certain that the more people understand God’s rich grace, mercy, and forgiveness, the more they will live a life that will be at peace amid life’s circumstances. God’s peace transcends the understanding of the world, other religions, and psychological methods. Only those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells can truly understand it.
Only In Jesus We Can Have True Peace
As believers in Jesus Christ we have a peace that those without Christ can never know. No other religious leader or worldview can give the kind of peace Jesus gives.
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