Peace. What does the word bring to mind to you? Do you think of conflicts currently happening around the world, or perhaps gazing out to a beautiful sunset? The Oxford English Dictionary describes peace as: âFreedom from anxiety, disturbance (emotional, mental, or spiritual), or inner conflict; calm, tranquillityâ. So, why is peace so important and what does the Bible say about it? In this blog, we are going to take a deep dive into peace and find out what it means for our lives today, as well as looking at some amazing Bible verses about peace. Itâs interesting how the dictionary definition of peace describes a lack of something. Peace is what is left behind when anxiety and conflict are gone, but can peace be active too?
There are 420 mentions of peace in the Bible so you can be sure it is pretty high up on Godâs agenda. In the Old Testament, the word peace comes from âshalomâ, which means far more than just an absence of conflict, rather it means wholeness, safety and completeness. It means âmay you be full of well-beingâ or âmay health and prosperity be upon you.â Peace, therefore, is a powerful bestowal of blessing, and far from being the absence of something, peace is a thing in itself. It is the gift of wholeness. This video has a fuller explanation of 'shalom'. Shalom is not just restricted to the lack of conflict, but it is that sense of well-being and completeness, which encompasses all aspects of life: business, home life, physical well-being, and emotional and mental well-being. You can read more about the meaning of shalom here.
In the New Testament, the word 'peace' is most commonly translated as Eirene which comes from eirĆ, meaning "to join, tie together into a whole". This concept brings to mind Ecclesiastes 4:12: âThough one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.â With God intimately involved in our lives, we have the gift of this indwelling shalom or peace. There are different ways to access this peace, and practising mindfulness can be really helpful. For more tips on mindfulness as a Christian, check out our blog here. Lets look at some Bible verses about peace.
The Prince of Peace is one of the names of Jesus. Peace is His identity, and He bestows it on us too.
When we become Christians, Jesus doesnât promise us a life free of trouble. Rather, He promises us His gift of peace, this sense of wholeness, even when we are facing the storms of this life. The peace of Jesus is literally out of this world.
Peace brings hope. The peace of Jesus is the thing that combats the insecurities that can play havoc with our minds. Whatever we are facing, may we know this peace and joy that will lead us to the brightest thing: hope in Him.
Peace comes as an antidote to worry. When we are feeling eaten up with confusion, doubt or despair, the peace of God comes in and guards our minds in Jesus. So, in making us whole, it reaffirms our identity, and what we know to be true. Peace reminds us of who we are.
Peace helps us to sleep. If you are experiencing anxiety or insomnia at night, ask God for His peace now and receive the blessing of rest. You might find this blog helpful in your journey towards peaceful sleep.
Jesusâ death on the cross means that we can receive the peace of God in place of the punishment due for our sins. What an amazing exchange, which has given us this precious gift of peace.
As ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), it is our job to show what it is to be living as friends of God. The gift of salvation is good news! It is a blessing to share the peace of this good news. What a beautiful ministry He has given to us! Not that we would feel pressured to share our faith, but that His presence would be so evident in our lives that it would just overflow.
His peace guards our minds. In the middle of the storm, when we feel like we are losing our grip, we can ask for His peace and He will give it. Sometimes, it may make no sense, but it is available for us who ask for it.
Far from us being powerless and needing Godâs peace to pacify us as Christians, God gives us the authority to speak peace into situations around us that need the touch of heaven. Go out in authority and speak to the world around you, blessing it with peace in the name of Jesus.
Peace is a commandment that Jesus gave to nature. His disciples said, âeven the wind and the waves obey Him!â Peace be with you, in whatever you are doing; I hope these Bible verses about peace help you on your path today.
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