“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22)

In our series of devotionals, we have been talking about the kind of fruit that the professing Child of God should be bearing. We used, at the beginning of this series, Matthew 12:33 as a springboard for these devotions.

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matthew 12:33)

We have learned that in order to bear good fruit, you must have the Spirit of God living and abiding in you. It is only by the Spirit of the Living God that we, the Children of God, can know what true love and joy is.

We have looked at what the Word of God has to say concerning love and joy; but now let’s examine just a bit of what our God has to say about the fruit of the Spirit concerning peace.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is… peace…” (Galatians 5:22). The Greek word is “eirēnē”; the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security in the midst of turmoil, strife, and temptation.

How does one have peace?

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Perfect peace comes by trusting God continually. It does not matter what the situation looks like. God will give you peace in the midst of the situation.

Let’s look at what Jesus told His disciples when He told them that He would have to go away, but that He would send them another comforter to quiet their minds.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

One thing we can say about the world – two things are definitely true. When the world gives you something, it often wants back what it gave you; or it wants something in return. But when Jesus gives you something, it is yours for the keeping. The world didn’t give it; and the world can’t take it away.

“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11)

To know God is to know peace; there is no other way. To love the law of God is the way to having great peace.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalms 119:165)

It is the will of God to give us peace and an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). “…the kingdom of God is… righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). God is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14); and His peace passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

True peace is of God; and the only way to know true peace is to know the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, and peace?