In what way is peace a fruit of the Holy Spirit?

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TL;DR:

Peace is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. Through God believers can have peace, knowing we have God’s presence through His Spirit.

from the old testament

  • God sent us the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
  • Isaiah 26:3 says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." God brings peace to those who trust in Him.

from the new testament

  • Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our peace with God affects our peace internally and our peace with others.
  • In Romans 12:18, Paul exhorts, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." We are called to live in peace with others.
  • The Spirit-filled Christian has a peace that is abundant, available in every situation, and unlike anything that the world has to offer (John 14:27).
  • Romans 8:6 explains exactly where peace comes from: "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
  • Romans 14:13–19 shows that those who value the kingdom of God will live in peace.
  • Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus is more than just an example of peace or the bestower of it; He is our peace.
  • God's peace will guard our hearts and minds during times of trouble (Philippians 4:7).
  • John 16:33 records Jesus saying, "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." Because of Christ, and as we abide in Him, we can have peace regardless of circumstances.

implications for today

The peace of God begins with God's making peace between Himself and mankind. A true state of peace requires the unity of at least two parties. It also requires sacrifice as self-interest is subordinated to the good of the relationship. The peace between humans and God is no different. God's contribution was to send Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to submit His life (Isaiah 53:5). When we repent and respond in faith to the gift of God, He saves us, and peace is born.

When people are at peace with God, they will also be at peace with each other. Jesus told the seventy disciples, "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). If the owner of the home had peace with God, he would naturally be at peace with God's messenger.

Peace with God overshadows conflict in the world. As we allow the Spirit to develop fruit in us, we will have real peace with God and each other.

understand

  • Peace is a spiritual fruit that reflects God's presence.
  • Biblical peace begins with peace with God through Jesus Christ.
  • The Holy Spirit enables believers to have peace that guards hearts and minds even in challenging circumstances.

reflect

  • How does understanding that peace with God leads to peace within and with others impact your life?
  • In what situations do you find it difficult to experience peace? How can the Holy Spirit help you overcome these challenges?
  • How can you intentionally cultivate peace in your relationships and in your own heart, knowing it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

engage

  • How can we support each other in maintaining peace, especially in difficult circumstances?
  • What does it look like to experience and share the peace of God in a world full of conflict?
  • How does peace as a fruit of the Spirit impact the way we respond to conflict or stress in our lives?