The Fruit Of The Spirit: Peace

“²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

— Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

The third characteristic listed among the 9 in the fruit of the Spirit is Peace.

God's peace is very different from the world's peace.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

— John 14:27 KJV

I find those words from Jesus fascinating:

"Not as the world giveth"

The world tends to think of peace as having peaceful circumstances.

No problems.

No conflict.

Enough money.

Good health.

Everything going according to plan.

But the peace Jesus gives us is different than what the world gives.

It is possible to have peace in the middle of the storm, because our peace is not ultimately dependent upon our circumstances. It comes from knowing and trusting God.

The Bible says:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

— Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Notice the connection between peace and trust.

When our minds are fixed on God and we trust Him, we can have peace even when we don't know what tomorrow will bring.

That doesn't mean Christians never experience fear, worry, grief, or difficult circumstances.

But it does mean that we have somewhere to take those worries.

“⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

I love the phrase:

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding"

Sometimes our circumstances may give us every earthly reason to worry, yet we can still experience a peace that doesn't seem to make sense from a worldly perspective.

Why?

Because our peace comes from God.

And peace is part of the fruit that the Holy Spirit is growing and ripening in our lives.

Point To Ponder

God's peace does not require peaceful circumstances.

Question To Consider

When I am worried or afraid, do I allow my mind to remain focused on my problems, or do I bring them to God and put my trust in Him?

Quick Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me a peace that the world cannot give me. When I am worried, afraid, or uncertain about the future, help me to keep my mind stayed on You and put my trust in You.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, especially peace, continue to grow and ripen the fruit of peace in my life. Help me to bring my worries and concerns to You in prayer, and let Your peace, which passes all understanding, keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

I cannot produce this peace in my own strength. I need You, Lord. In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.