Peace

“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NIV).

 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJ)

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” John 14:27 (NIV).

“…The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end...” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV).

• Peace – What it is
• God’s Peace is not about avoiding a problem.
• God’s Peace is not about appeasing another person.
• God’s Peace (Shalom) is a sense of well-being, a sense of a foundation for life that comes from following God. Isaiah 48:17-1; Judges 6
• Peace – How it works
• Peace with God comes through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:19-20; John 14:27
• Peace of God comes when you include God in all aspects of your life. Philippians 4:6-9
• You include Him by sharing your worries and fears with Him. (v.6)
• You include Him by expressing thankfulness to Him. (v.6)
• You include Him by giving your attention to His values. (v.8)
• You include Him by putting into practice His life principles.  (v.9) James 1:22
•  Peace on earth comes through conducting yourself towards others according to God’s will, not yours. Colossians 3:15; Romans 12:18; Philippians 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; John 13:34; Matthew 22:39
• How to be a Peacemaker: P.E.A.C.E.
•  P  - Plan a peace conference. Matthew 5:23-24; Psalm 34:14
• Take the initiative.
• Work hard at peacemaking.
• E - Empathize with their feelings. 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:4; Romans 15:2
• Listen without lecturing.
• Make an effort to understand.
• Focus on the needs of others.
• A -   Attack the problem, not the person. Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 4:25; Ephesians 4:29
• Never compare.
• Never condemn.
• Never command.
• Never challenge.
• Never condescend.
• Never contradict.
• Never confuse.
• C  -  Cooperate as much as possible. James 3:17-18; Psalm 37:3
• E  -  Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.
• Reconciliation: to re-establish the relationship.
• Resolution: to resolve every issue.  2 Corinthians 5:18
• Application: I am consistent in staying in a place of rest and freedom from anxiety even when I am under pressure.