Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (NKJV)
Since we have already covered joy in a previous post, which you can find here, we will take a look at peace today. The Bible has quite a bit to say about peace, but to keep this blog from being too long I am choosing to look at two aspects of peace in particular--Peace in the midst of troubles and Peace with fellow believers.
First, I want to look at Peace in the midst of troubles. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." (this and all other verses are from the ESV unless otherwise noted) I have to admit, I have had my fair share of anxiety, but when I read this verse I find that there is no reason to hold onto this anxiety. Paul says not to worry about ANYTHING. That seems like quite a tall order, doesn't it? But here is the key, pray about EVERYTHING. When you are worried about your job, pray about it. When you are anxious over the actions of your children, pray about it. When your future is uncertain, pray about it. Then what? Verse 7 says, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." It cannot be explained or understood, it just happens. God gives peace to your troubled heart through His Son, Jesus Christ. Trust me, it works. I have been there. I would like to tell you that my first response any time I am anxious is to pray, but that is not the case. However, as soon as I do talk to God about my problem and begin to leave it in His hands, His peace washes over me. It is a wonderful, yet unexplainable feeling. You should try it sometime!
John 16 also promises peace. In this chapter, Christ was preparing His disciples for His death by telling them that He would not always be with them. At the very end on the chapter he tells them why He has told them these things. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v 33) There are many problems that we face in this world that cause us to worry, but Jesus has already overcome this sinful world. That is why we can have peace in the midst of tribulation, because we have the hope of Heaven because Christ has already overcome.
The second aspect of peace is Peace among ourselves. Time and time again Paul writes in his letters to the different church that they should live peaceably with one another.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
One of the marks of a true Christian who is following the Fruit of the Spirit is that he tries to be at peace with those around him. How can we expect to point others to Christ, if they cannot feel welcome at our church because we are always fighting and arguing with one another? We are different people and we will not always agree with one another, but we must strive to settle those disagreements and restore peace. We all belong to God and should all be working to become more like Him and to lead others to Him. That means that ultimately our goals are the same and that we should make it a point to be united with one another.
Are you living at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you praying about your anxiety and allowing God to give you His peace that is beyond understanding? If not I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer today, asking God to help you in this area of your life.
Since we have already covered joy in a previous post, which you can find here, we will take a look at peace today. The Bible has quite a bit to say about peace, but to keep this blog from being too long I am choosing to look at two aspects of peace in particular--Peace in the midst of troubles and Peace with fellow believers.
First, I want to look at Peace in the midst of troubles. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." (this and all other verses are from the ESV unless otherwise noted) I have to admit, I have had my fair share of anxiety, but when I read this verse I find that there is no reason to hold onto this anxiety. Paul says not to worry about ANYTHING. That seems like quite a tall order, doesn't it? But here is the key, pray about EVERYTHING. When you are worried about your job, pray about it. When you are anxious over the actions of your children, pray about it. When your future is uncertain, pray about it. Then what? Verse 7 says, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." It cannot be explained or understood, it just happens. God gives peace to your troubled heart through His Son, Jesus Christ. Trust me, it works. I have been there. I would like to tell you that my first response any time I am anxious is to pray, but that is not the case. However, as soon as I do talk to God about my problem and begin to leave it in His hands, His peace washes over me. It is a wonderful, yet unexplainable feeling. You should try it sometime!
John 16 also promises peace. In this chapter, Christ was preparing His disciples for His death by telling them that He would not always be with them. At the very end on the chapter he tells them why He has told them these things. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v 33) There are many problems that we face in this world that cause us to worry, but Jesus has already overcome this sinful world. That is why we can have peace in the midst of tribulation, because we have the hope of Heaven because Christ has already overcome.
The second aspect of peace is Peace among ourselves. Time and time again Paul writes in his letters to the different church that they should live peaceably with one another.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
One of the marks of a true Christian who is following the Fruit of the Spirit is that he tries to be at peace with those around him. How can we expect to point others to Christ, if they cannot feel welcome at our church because we are always fighting and arguing with one another? We are different people and we will not always agree with one another, but we must strive to settle those disagreements and restore peace. We all belong to God and should all be working to become more like Him and to lead others to Him. That means that ultimately our goals are the same and that we should make it a point to be united with one another.
Are you living at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you praying about your anxiety and allowing God to give you His peace that is beyond understanding? If not I want to encourage you to spend some time in prayer today, asking God to help you in this area of your life.
