Galatians 5:22 reads "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..." Peace has been called love's confidence. When we have God's love in our hearts, then the confidence that flows from this absolute love is the peace of God. The Hebrew word for peace is "shalom", meaning rest, unity, completeness, good health, or to be whole. The Greek word is "eirene", also meaning rest, quietness, prosperity, and an inward state of rest even when the outward circumstances may be stressful. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus was sleeping at peace in a boat, while His disciples were experiencing the opposite of peace, while in a overwhelming storm. Why could Jesus be in complete rest and peace? Because His confidence rested firmly on His Heavenly Father. Peace is more than just the absence of fear, Jesus Christ is the very definition and Giver of peace. His name is "Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6). In John 14:27, He states, "My peace I give you..." So just like joy, real peace come only through a relationship with Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This supernatural state of being was lived out not only in the perfect life of Jesus, but also in the imperfect life of the Deacon Stephen (Acts. 7:54-69). As he preached God's Word, the religious crowd began to rise up against him to kill him. While Stephen's physical world was beginning to come to an end, his inward peace began to radiate. His words were not coated in fear and hate, but displayed his peace with God (56), his peace with man (59), and a peace with his soul (59). And as the rocks beat upon his body, Scripture describes his death with these words, "he fell asleep." This life of peace is truly a gift from God. When any person carries within their soul this quality, then it is a sure fact that they will live a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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