Definition and Nature

Spiritual peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a profound sense of tranquility and harmony that originates from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is not merely the absence of conflict or turmoil but a deep-seated assurance and restfulness that transcends circumstances. This peace is a gift from God, cultivated in the believer's life by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of peace as a fruit of the Spirit is rooted in Galatians 5:22-23, where the Apostle Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" . Here, peace is identified as a natural outcome of the Spirit's work in a believer's life.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, peace (Hebrew: "shalom") encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony. It is often associated with God's covenantal blessings. For instance, in Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing invokes peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" . This peace is a holistic well-being granted by God.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, peace is closely linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to as the "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6, and His coming is heralded as bringing peace to those who accept Him. In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid" . This peace is distinct from worldly peace, offering a steadfastness that is unaffected by external chaos.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting and nurturing spiritual peace within believers. Romans 8:6 states, "The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace" . The Spirit transforms the believer's mind, aligning it with God's will and producing peace as a natural byproduct. This peace guards the heart and mind, as described in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .

Practical Implications

Spiritual peace manifests in various aspects of a believer's life. It influences relationships, encouraging reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This peace also empowers believers to face trials with confidence, knowing that God is sovereign and faithful.

Peace as a Witness

The presence of spiritual peace in a believer's life serves as a powerful testimony to the world. In a culture often characterized by anxiety and unrest, the peace of God stands out as a beacon of hope and assurance. Colossians 3:15 exhorts, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" . This ruling peace not only stabilizes the believer but also draws others to the source of true peace—Jesus Christ.Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Gal 5:22,23: " 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,. ... faith is
not natural . . .faith is spiritual, the gift of God . . . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Spiritual Peace
... Spiritual Peace. A Sermon (No.300). ... He walks humbly with his God. Constrained by
grace, this sweet fruit of the Spirit, peace, leads him to endeavor to keep ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Peace
... A spiritual peace, which is twofold; peace above us, or peace with God; and ... Son is
the Prince of peace.' Isaiah 9:9. Peace is said to be the fruit of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Treats Upon the Actions of Carnal and of Spiritual Persons; Also ...
... to tell us the spiritual actions which vivify a man, that is, the engrafting of
the Spirit; thus saying, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi treats upon the actions.htm

Judged by Fruit
... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering ... of virtues which are
like luscious fruit in a ... corrupt man into a clean, holy, spiritual person; but ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xi judged by fruit.htm

Much Fruit
... apple: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, joy." The ... is only when good works
come as the fruit of the ... yet find that they have but little spiritual result. ...
/.../murray/the true vine meditations for a month on john 151-16/much fruit.htm

What are those Carnal Things which Beget Death, and what are the ...
... are those carnal things which beget death, and what are the spiritual things which ...
But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, magnanimity, goodness ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/64 what are those carnal.htm

The Malignity of the Devil as an Imitator in all Things; Two Kinds ...
... fruit unto righteousness for the children of the spiritual Zion, which ... by love; for
he says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering ...
/.../chapter v the malignity of the.htm

The Spirit and the Flesh
... it can feel trust, and hope, and peace, and love ... a man's flesh can take no pleasure
in spiritual things, while ... the corruption of our nature, the fruit of Adam's ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon vi the spirit and.htm

"The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"
... gift of a holy mind and spiritual disposition, and ... daily life and conduct that the
fruit of the ... which love is manifested: joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/the fruit of the spirit.htm

Letter xx. --The Fruit of Trials.
... To the same person on the fruit of trials, Profound ... Peace can be felt, but love cannot
be perceived ... of everything in the most complete spiritual poverty, and ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xx the fruit of trials.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian promote world peace? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have peace with God? | GotQuestions.org

Peace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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