Galatians 5:22-26 (NET) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.
When we engage in peace, we demonstrate love to others. The Bible gives us many examples of living in a peaceful way on various levels. Today’s devotion may seem lengthy, but my heart wants to explore three main areas of peace that are both needed and necessary means of expressing love in our lives today.
Most likely our first thoughts on peace are defined by absence of war, conflict, or strife. This is the more general and global sense of peace and yet it also demonstrates love toward others. There are also warnings about failure to promote peace.
Psalm 29:11 (NIV) The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Isaiah 26:12 (NIV) LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
Isaiah 48:18 (NIV) If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river...
A much larger selection of Scriptures regarding peace that leads to love is defined by a calm, quiet spirit that is neither judgmental nor quarrelsome. This is the practical application of peace that demonstrates love toward others with whom we interact. Fair warning; this type of peace is not automatic. You must seek it intentionally and it requires effort to maintain.
Psalm 34:14 (NET) Turn away from evil and do what is right. Strive for peace and promote it.
Proverbs 17:14 (NIV) Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop that matter before a dispute breaks out.
Matthew 5:9 (NET, NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Hebrews 12:14 (NET) Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.
Romans 14:13, 19 (NET) 13Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or trap before a brother or sister. ... 19So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.
There is yet one last level of peace to explore. It is an area in which many people struggle silently. It is peace of mind, the kind of peace that is undisturbed by the rolling waves of “could’ve, should’ve, would’ve” that haunt our memories. Peace of mind allows peaceful sleep instead of hours of mentally replaying every mistake, error, or failure from our past. Peace of mind does not stress over the future. And yet, without this type of peace; when we are consumed by silent mental disruptions over past and future (neither of which is under our control), it becomes a struggle to display love toward those around us in the present moments. This peace of mind comes from only one source—your Heavenly Father.
Psalm 4:8 (NET) I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, LORD, make me safe and secure.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Romans 8:6b (NIV) ...but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Philippians 4:7 (NET) And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Some final thoughts regarding peace that leads to love...
Romans 5:1 (NET) Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Romans 12:18 (NET) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
You have called us to be people of peace on many levels. Guide us in examining our lives to discover what areas we need to yield to you in order to show the kind of peace that leads to love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scriptures quotations marked NET are taken from the New English Translation Bible® http://netbible.com copyright © 1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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