“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
-Galatians 5:22-23
The third fruit of the Spirit listed by the Apostle Paul is peace. As often as we may overlook the value of peace, it is a precious blessing enjoyed by the Lord’s people. Consider part of the description of the depraved nature of man: “Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace have they not known” (Romans 3:15-17). Even in our own life experience, we can quickly conclude that the natural, carnal man has no inclination or desire for peace. However, God’s children are given a new nature, a spiritual nature, and have the ability to bear this wonderful fruit when they walk in discipleship of Christ.
As people who hope to follow Christ, it is invaluable to consider His example with regard to peace. One title given to Christ in Isaiah 9:6 is the “Prince of Peace.” The text goes on to proclaim “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9, verses 6 and 7). Hallelujah! This is repeated with great authority when the angels said “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). These texts point to the work of Jesus Christ in reconciling God and men. Sin had separated man from God to the extent that we were at enmity with the eternally righteous, perfectly just and holy God. It was at this time, “while we were yet sinners,” that Christ died and serves as a mediator, reconciling the two sides in Himself. He is our propitiation, which literally means He sacrificed Himself to turn away the wrath of God which we justly deserved. Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker.
Jesus taught “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). It is important that we recognize a subtlety in His wording: Jesus used the word “peacemakers” rather than “peacekeepers.” He is not simply describing those who refuse to stand against error, thereby avoiding conflict; instead, He is describing those who labor with one another in meekness (Lordwilling, we will address meekness as its own fruit of the Spirit in a subsequent article). Peacemakers do not stop at preserving peace where it already exists, but rather they make peace between two or more parties which are at odds with one another. If we consider even briefly the number and severity of the conflicts around us at any given time, we must be amazed at the enormous opportunity to bear this spiritual fruit.
I will close with the instruction Paul gave in Romans 12:18-21. It is not at all difficult to understand, but it can be difficult to practice from day to day. May God bless us to repent from the works of the flesh and grow in grace, bearing abundant fruit.
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”