April Devotional: Fruit of the Spirit- Peace

April Devotional: The Fruits of the Spirit- Peace

               22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!- Galatians 5:22-23

          This month as we continue to break down the fruit of the spirit the Apostle Paul lists in Galatians 5- we come to Peace.  This is a “fruit” that we as Christians must produce.  I started to read the Websters Dictionary definition of Peace and it had many different definitions ranging from “a state of tranquility or quiet” or “ freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.”  It also says “Harmony in personal relations” or “A period of mutual concord between Governments.”  Many different variations, but ultimately ending with the idea that peace with whatever its dealing with- is 2 parties or just yourself not fighting over something.  Who better to look at what Peace should look like than Jesus Christ.  But first, lets look at the beginning of the verse- It says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit”.  When we say “Yes” to Jesus we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and guiding us.  The Holy Spirit is part of the triune God- it gives us discernment through life in all situations.  Jesus says in John 16:13-“   13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”  The Bible is not outdated- its pages are the True Word of the Living God.  Scripture is such an amazing way to receive guidance in our Lives.  It then says “produces this kind of fruit”.  Before Paul lists the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5- He lists the “Works” of the Flesh.  Fruit is very different than works- we work to something.  But the Holy Spirit Produces this kind of fruit listed in Galatians 5.  David Guzik talks about the difference between Human works and Holy Spirit fruit- he says, “Significantly, it is the fruit of the Spirit set across from the works of the flesh. Works are works, and fruit is fruit. Fruit has several important characteristics.

· Fruit isn’t achieved by working, but is birthed by abiding.

· Fruit is fragile.

· Fruit reproduces itself.

· Fruit is attractive.

· Fruit nourishes. (Guzik)

What a beautiful picture that is!  That it’s not us that produces this fruit, but it’s by abiding and remaining in the true vine of Jesus Christ. 

          So now more specifically The fruit of Peace.  When we look at the ministry of Jesus-he was all about Peace.  We are going through the Gospel of John right now in our small groups.  Time after time we are seeing Jesus in these situations where the people of that time have the wrong idea of the Messiah that they want.  They want a Messiah to overthrow the Roman Government with force.  We also see situations with the Pharisees and Scribes trying to trap Jesus with “Religious Laws”, but time after time we see Jesus just wanting to teach and bring as many people to His Kingdom as possible through Love, Grace and Mercy.  Jesus says in the Beatitudes in the Book of Matthew 5:9-“Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  We should always be the instigators of Peace.  Not instigating conflict, but rather harmony in all our relationships.  When the people in our relationships see us instigating Peace- They will see our Father in Heaven because we are Children of God.  But this Peace is so much more- Guzik says, “This peace is peace with God, peace with people, and it is a positive peace, filled with blessing and goodness – not simply the absence of fighting. We could say that this peace is a peace of the Spirit, because it is a higher peace than just what comes when everything is calm and settled. This is a peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”(Guzik)-  Philippians 4:7 says, “7 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.”  The ancient Greek word for Peace here is “Eirene”- as Barclay would say,  “it means not just freedom from trouble but everything that makes for a man’s highest good. Here it means that tranquility of heart which derives from the all-pervading consciousness that our times are in the hands of God.” (Barclay).  The early Christians really knew and loved the Peace that came with the Spirit- that’s why a really common name in the early church was Irene (Greek: Eirene)

          When we have a confidence in God and His Love for us- this fruit will mature and grow because we are firmly convinced of His Love for us.  It’s important to remember that Love is the Godly virtue that will bring out the other 8 fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.  Meaning-We will only be as Peaceful as we are Loving.  This is not our Love, but God’s Love in us!  We get this fruit by remaining in the True Vine that is Jesus Christ. 

          I feel like more than ever- today it is easier to stir up conflict in our relationships.  With social media and the issues of this broken world- we can openly express our opinions for everyone to see.  Let’s not focus on the temporary problems of this world, but the Eternal Love of Jesus Christ.  Instead of voicing our human opinions on these worldly issues- Lets show people true Love in us because we are believers in the true eternal savior of ALL humans- Jesus Christ.  Let’s remember to be Salt and Light to this World in our relationships and situations.  I know Jesus uses the word “works” in this verse, but I want to leave you with the words of our Savior Jesus Christ when He says later on the Sermon on the Mount- Matthew 5:14-16, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Discussion:

1.      What relationships in your life right now need you to be the instigator of Peace?

2.     How can you avoid “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) and focus more on producing “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) in your Life?

3.     What areas of the Fire Service can we be instigators of Peace?