Fruit of the Spirit – Day 18

Have you ever had an argument with someone that went on and on, until eventually you both decide not to fight anymore, even though you still disagree? And even after you agree to disagree, the whole argument flares up again with all the old animosity, even worse than before.

True peace is not simply avoiding conflict. Just as joy is not the absence of hardship, peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict. True peace is a wholeness, a completeness, a oneness with God that is only found at the foot of the cross. Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace, who, as we read in John 14, brings peace to the hearts of those who desire it.

Peace is the result of a relationship with God. Peace is a tranquillity, a state of rest that comes from seeking after God. Peace is the opposite of chaos. True peace is a calm assurance coupled with a quiet joy that God has your life under control and that he is continuously working to accomplish his purpose. God knows your unfulfilled desires, your broken dreams, your disappointments and your defeats. He can bring about peace in your life in the midst of these challenges and he longs to do that for you, today.

After we have obtained peace with God through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, we can experience the peace of God. We need this peace when we are going through troubling and uncertain times or when we are unsure of what to do in situations – we need it daily. It is given to us whenever we need it, as long as we keep our focus on God.