True Peace

Galatians 5:22, 23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Every man and woman is born separated from God. No matter your race, religion, or sex, you were born into this world lacking spiritual union with the Lord. As hard as we try, Paul maintains that we will never have the peace of God until we each individually come to a peace with God. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” George C. Marshall, former Secretary of State under Dwight D. Eisenhower, may have never known the weight of his words when he said, “If man does find the solution for world peace it will be the most revolutionary reversal of his record we have ever known.” While peace may be a fruit of the Spirit, it is important for you to understand that apart from the life changing grace of God, true peace will never be known to you.

The Bible, however, does promise “the peace of God that passes all understanding” to those that trust in Him. Peace should become a natural result of the Christian walk as our spirit communes with God’s. As a child of God we have an open line of communication with the Creator of the universe. Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” desires to comfort our souls if we will only come to Him for support. John 16:24 says, “Until now you have asked for nothing in My [Jesus’] name; ask and you will receive that your joy may be made full.” On the same thought at the end of chapter 16, Jesus again says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Are you a child of the Lord?

Beyond peace with God or the peace of God in our own hearts, we must understand that this peace should be demonstrated to everyone we meet. The Lord commands, if it is possible, live at peace with those around you. More damage is done to the name of God by hatred and selfishness than anything else. Our God is a God of love and peace. As children of God, His peace is to grow out of us as naturally as an apple on a tree. So often we forget who we represent at school, work, or even at home. Do you desire to see your friends come to know Christ? Do you desire to see your co-workers or your parents enter into a relationship with God? What kind of example of Christ are you to those that do not know Him? We must daily evaluate our lives in the light of God’s love. If you and I cannot demonstrate the peace of God in our own lives, or with our own parents, how will their spirit ever experience a peace with God? I pray that as you go throughout your daily activities you will, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).