The Fruit of Peace

Peace is a popular topic in our world. People talk about having peace on earth, peace between nations, world peace. They flash the “peace” symbol to show they are in favor of peace or to encourage others to seek peace. But the world’s peace falls short. The world’s peace is merely a lack of conflict. But in a world of sinful beings, there will always be conflict. No two humans can be in any kind of relationship without reaching conflict at some point. We cannot expect a lack of conflict among countries and societies when there is no lack of conflict within our families and even within ourselves. That, I think, points to true peace and the cause of all conflict.

True biblical peace carries with it a note of reconciliation, a sense of being at peace with others but most importantly with God. We cannot have peace with others if we are not at peace with God, because He is the God of peace and if we do not have His peace in us, we have no peace to give. We have to be reconciled to God to have His peace, and that requires salvation and repentance, not just a one-time at-the-cross repentance, but daily coming to God to reconcile our lives and hearts to keep that relationship clean and pure.

Ephesians 2:13-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Jesus did everything He could to make us at peace with God. But we have to submit to Him in order to receive it. We cannot continue doing the things which alienated us from God and expect to be at peace with Him.

Romans 8:5-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

But at the same time, if we pursue Him and strive to be at peace (or reconciled) with Him, we will also gain His peace.

Matthew 6:33 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

If we are seeking God, seeking to be at peace with Him and pursuing the things of Him, we will naturally bear peace as a fruit of His presence in us. Jesus did not come to bring peace on earth (that is world peace), but to bring peace among us and peace with God. World peace, even if it were possible, is still only temporary. But the peace of God is eternal. We can have God’s peace, which is beyond comprehension, in the midst of conflict by seeking God and His peace, by seeking His ways and truth. We will bear His peace if we are rooted in Him.

If we have our minds set on God, we will not be upset or disturbed by the things around us. If we are focusing on God’s righteousness, we will not be easily offended by things done by others. If we are dwelling on the things of God, we will grow in godly characteristics and our relationships with others will be defined by God rather than the world. The fruit of peace comes from trusting God in any circumstance, focusing on Him every moment of the day, and relying on His truth.

Seek God and have peace!