A Closer Look at the Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. For the Christian, the third item Scripture lists as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) is peace. Do you have peace in your life today? Peace is one of those things that people crave. We hear it in phrases such as: “World peace,” “Peace out,” or “Don’t disturb the peace.” However, what truly is peace? Jesus says to us, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). As we examine the fruit of peace, may we remember that this is a peace different from what the world offers. Jesus said, “Not as the world gives.” The world’s peace is often fragile, dependent on external circumstances, and easily disrupted by trouble or change. The peace that Jesus gives, however, is based on His unchanging love and promises. It is not unsettled by difficult circumstances. In fact, Jesus told us to expect them (John 16:33).  But, rather, the steadfast love, protection, forgiveness, grace, provision, blessing, and eternal life Jesus secured for all who place their trust in Him offers a steady and enduring calm that remains secure, even in the face of trouble. With the peace that Jesus gives, we can be in a troubling situation without being troubled! God’s peace transcends earthly matters, as Philippians 4:4-7 illustrates. Believers are to be “anxious for nothing,” for God promises to “guard your hearts and minds.” It is a peace “which transcends all understanding”; that is, to the worldly mind, such peace is not able to be understood   (incomprehensible). This is because the source of this peace is the Holy Spirit of God, whom the world neither sees nor knows (John 14:17). 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). The alternative to being filled with the Spirit and His peace is to be filled with alarm, filled with doubt, filled with foreboding, or filled with dread. How much better to let the Spirit have control and perform His work of growing fruit to the glory of God! Be encouraged!