Fruit of the Spirit
Part Four
In the movie, Miss Congeniality, the beauty contestants were asked this laughingly provocative question, “What is the most important thing society needs?” Obviously, they all answered world peace. It’s a funny scene but also, even though a stereotype, it’s true: Our world needs peace.
God knew that at creation but His desire was inner peace. Shalom, a word that all languages understand, doesn’t mean free of war or conflict; God’s peace is being restored to Him. It’s being reconciled through His Son, consequently, being joined and completed in our inner man: true peace is wholeness. The only way to receive that peace is by receiving His forgiveness, the sacrifice of His life in place of ours.
But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 NLT
That word whole is shalom: peace. God’s covenant with us is the promise that He’ll make us new and restore our relationship with Him that was lost in the Garden.
Peace is the fruit of the Spirit that grows out of our inner man because we are one with God.
For He Himself is our peace … Ephesians 2:14a ESV
When this piece of fruit grows in our life it’s displayed as confidence and an attitude that our life is complete even when circumstances are hard or painful. Our inner life remains complete in the midst of trials.
So you also are complete through your union with Christ … Colossians 2:10a
Since Jesus died for our wholeness, spirit, soul, and body, we can’t forget that truth.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Spending quality time with God is the best way to grow this fruit of peace. The indwelling Spirit fills you with all you need for the day and you’ll notice a difference, His peace, when things begin to go wrong. Jesus said,
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you today to defeat the enemy in your life; his end is near:
The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20a
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