Let’s take a collective deep breath. (Doesn’t that feel good?)
The Fruit of Peace is our focus this last week of June.
Definitions of Peace
In Strong’s Concordance, εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) is the Greek word for peace1. Similar to love, there are many definitions of peace2.
A state of national tranquility, free from war and chaos.
Peace between individuals (i.e. harmony and concord)
Security, safety, prosperity, felicity—peace and harmony keep things secure
The Messiah’s peace-the way that leads to salvation
The tranquil state of a soul assured of their salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and contentment in their life, whatever that be.
Of the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.
The Fruit of Peace
Of all the definitions, Strong’s Concordance connects the fruit of peace with the definition, peace between individuals. Paul speaks to the Church of Galatia about harmony and common agreement between believers.
Think about it, the Gentiles were the newbies in the family of God. The resurrection of Jesus Christ meant that all who call on the Name of Lord would be saved (and I mean ALL). Imagine being God’s chosen people and now, there are new believers who are not circumcised and have not followed the Law of Moses. I could only imagine the discord and disharmony amongst the community from the small things to the big things.
Paul is speaking peace to connect and unify the Church of Galatia. We are strong together with Christ as our foundation. Once again, our individual wants and desires do not matter if God is not the focus. Even though there is disagreement, it should not result in the tearing down of God’s Church.
Peace Inwardly
I do want to speak on some of the other definitions of peace (e.g. definitions 3-5) because they matter too.
I feel like you cannot have outer peace without inner peace. Additionally, it could be hard to have peace in the family of God if you do not have the peace in you.
So where do you get true peace? Only by Jesus Christ, the Messiah through salvation. The God that I serve sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and yours. The Fall of Adam and Eve made you and me a sinner separated from God with no way out. But, Jesus Christ sacrificed His perfect life for you and me to have eternal life. All we have to do is call on the name of Jesus, confess our sins, and follow Him.
With God’s seal, there is a tranquil state for our soul that is grounded in salvation. No matter what life throws at us, we have the assurance that God will never leave nor forsake His children. We have the assurance that God will provide and supply every need. We are safe, secure, and thrive off God’s prosperity and provision.
With the inner peace of Christ, we can extend that peace to fellow believers. How great would God’s Church be where God’s followers live harmony and unity within and with one another?
Scripture References of Peace
And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.-Matthew 10:13
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.-Luke 10:5-6
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.-Romans 8:6
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.-Ephesians 2:14
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.-Philippians 4:7
Final Reflections
God is the giver of peace. He gives us His peace individually and communally. Living in peace and harmony on earth is the microcosm of a greater heavenly community of believers around the Holy of Holies. Keep that in mind.
Blissfully,
Bianca
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/kjv/tr/0-1/
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/kjv/tr/0-1/