The Spirit of Peace

When we open our Bibles and read Colossians 3: 15, we are reminded to: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” The peace which the world generally thinks of when they think of peace is dependent upon us. History has proven that we are not always that dependable. When peace is dependent upon us, it usually does not last. Think of all the treaties that have been signed throughout history. Then think about all the treaties that have been broken.
The Greek word used in Paul’s letter had two usages. First of all, it dealt with the whole idea of the serenity or physical and mental peace of a village or country or community and the individual who was in charge of keeping the peace. The keeper of the public peace, was sort of like the western idea of a sheriff and today’s understanding of the police officer whose primary duty is to help us “keep the peace” when we get unruly.
A lot of people are only seeking this kind of peace. They want financial or social peace, but what they are really looking for is not peace but safety. Not peace but security. Not peace but popularity. Not peace but superiority. Not peace but plenty. Not peace but a place in society. A lot of people are only seeking outward signs of peace. They are only interested in an outward appearance. They are not really seeking the Biblical model or Biblical ideal of peace.
The second understanding of peace is related to the Hebrew word, Shalom. Shalom is more than physical peace. Shalom is wholeness, oneness, it is peace of body, mind, soul and spirit. It is wholeness on every level. In John 14:27 Jesus told the Disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” This is the peace Paul was talking about in Philippians 4:6-7 when he wrote: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is the peace which fills our hearts with the grace of God in Christ so we can affirm what Jesus told the Disciples in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Peace comes from the Holy Spirit bearing witness to our spirit that we are the children of God, children who are forgiven and loved. This peace, this Shalom can only be born in us through the love and joy of God’s Holy Spirit which lives and reigns in us. There are so many people in the world who are seeking peace, inner peace in their lives and don’t even really know it. They have worked hard for all that they have and yet now it doesn’t bring the joy or happiness they once thought it would. Take time this week to pray, study your Bible and attend worship and discover the peace born through the love and joy of God’s Holy Spirit. When we have the peace of Jesus it makes all the difference in our lives and all the difference in the world. The answer, the only thing which can bring peace to the troubled soul and the only thing which can fill that emptiness is Christ Jesus. Jesus gave His very life on the Cross so we could know with certainty that our sins have been forgiven. Peace be with you!


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