In these uncertain times, true peace would be worth any price.
Thank God, Jesus has paid the price. And we – as Christians – can receive true and complete peace through Christ Jesus.
What Does The Bible Mean When It Talks About Peace?
In the Old Testament, the word for peace is “shalom.” But shalom means more than just the absence of conflict. It also means to make a (whole) or to restore to completeness.
What Peace Isn’t!
Wealth, good health, an expensive home, or a dream job are NOT sources of peace. These earthly things can be taken away in an instant. And without God in our lives, we quickly realize that these things – once attained – do NOT give us a LASTING experience of peace and completeness.
The Key To True Peace.
Unconditional peace is not within humanity’s power to create. Unconditional peace, wholeness, and completeness is a gift from God … the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
The source of shalom (peace, completeness, and wholeness) is Christ.
Colossians 3:15
15 And let the peace of God (Christ) rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
15 And let the peace of God (Christ) rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Peace Doesn’t Mean The Absence Of Difficulties.
Don’t believe those prosperity preachers who tell you that when you follow Christ, everything will go your way.
During our walk with Christ, there will be trials and tribulations. Instead of bemoaning trials and avoiding tribulations, we should see them as opportunities.
James 1:3
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And, as followers of Christ, we must be aware that God is good and that EVERYTHING that we encounter is put there by God to help us grow and mature in our faith, so that we can bring God more glory.
Romans 8:28
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Why Is Shalom (Peace) So Important For Us As Christians?
Of course, the peace that only Christ provides is an essential source of our joy. But there’s another reason that Christ’s peace is indispensable. Without it, we have no fertile ground to accept God’s Word and grow as Christians. If we are anxious, it is hard for God’s word to take root in our souls (Matthew 13:21).
Also, by displaying to the world Christ’s peace, we can better witness to non-believers and give them good reason to ask about our faith and the source of our peace through Christ.
So, don’t deny yourself a very important gift that is ours through Christ – the gift of peace. We simply can’t become more Christlike without it.
