Fruit of the Spirit…Peace

Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker! In-fact one of his names is ‘the Prince of Peace’. If job descriptions were around back then, I think that peace making would be an important part of his role.

I love the time when Jesus and his disciples found themselves in the middle of a loud storm on a lake. The disciples were freaking out… while Jesus slept! After being woken (by the disciples) Jesus stood up and commanded the storm to stop… And there was peace!

He also restored our relationship with God by dying and rising again to pay for our sin. Because of him, we have peace with God.

But Jesus knew that things were still going to be tough here in the world. He said to his disciples “I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world” (John 16:33 NIrV).

Jesus wants us to have His peace, even when we encounter troubles (like Covid 19), remembering his victory on the cross and that he is with us, no matter what we face.

Jesus was also invested in helping people with their relationships. One day as he was teaching a large crowd he said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NIV).

So, what might that look like? Here is one idea.

Sometimes people, when they are worked up over something, find it a little tricky to listen to the other person. It can get loud and stormy real quick! Sometimes a peacemaker is needed. Helping people to take a short break and some deep breaths, allows a little space. Encouraging them to look at the situation from the other person’s perspective can be enlightening.  After all, everyone likes to be heard and understood! It can be the beginning of a friendship reset and grounds for moving forward.

Being a peacemaker takes courage, but we aren’t alone. Remember we can draw on Jesus’ strength and remember his is with us!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration (getting friendships back on track), encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11NIV).

God bless you all with Jesus’ peace this week and always!

Georgie