Peace that Passes Understanding

Of the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, three get a lot of play in this season: love, joy and peace. Truth is, there’s probably a greater need for self-control, patience and forgiveness in the typical North American’s preparation and observation of Christmas. But in the next couple of weeks we’re going to take a closer look at what the love, joy and peace that flow out of a spirit-filled heart and life are really like.

Of the three, our wishes for peace seem the least likely to be fulfilled any time soon—what with world-wide conflicts if not at record levels, certainly our awareness of them is heightened thanks to the 24-hour news cycle and information available at the tap of a finger.

The peace that the Prince of Peace brings will eventually—at the final advent—be the cessation of conflict among nations and individuals. In the meantime, it is possible to experience the peace that passes understanding—an inner peace despite the turmoil in our personal lives or the chaos in the world.

In his Incarnation—taking on humanity, moving into the neighborhood and going all the way to the cross and the grave—Jesus broke the barriers that separated us from God. You know the tension you feel when you’re at odds with your spouse or a best friend? When it’s resolved there’s a renewed intimacy. The conflict is gone; you’re comfortable again in one another’s presence. That’s the kind of peace we can experience with our Creator. It’s a peace that’s available regardless of our circumstances. It’s a gift of the Spirit.

We may not always feel peace; it’s something that comes from the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Spirit’s peace is much more a character trait than a feeling. We already have the gift of peace. It is waiting to be developed through the partnership of God’s spirit with our own.[1] 

In this hectic season, at a time in history that seems especially troublesome, the Spirit’s gift of peace is one that I really treasure. How about you? 

Although we cannot personally give you the gift of peace, Ascending Leaders is making FREE DOWNLOADS of all nine Spirit's Fruit pdfs available. Enjoy!

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[1] Practicing Peace, p. 15