Read: Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh
with its passions and desires. 25Since
we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become
conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Reflect:
We all want peace. We want peace in the world,
our country, our families, and ourselves. There are people who spend their
whole lives working for peace. However, the Bible tells us that the world will
never know peace (Romans 3:17). True peace is not something that can be
achieved, it can only be received from Jesus Christ (John 14:27), the Prince of
Peace.
In today’s text, we see that peace is the
third of nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. We also thankfully note
that this fruit is not ours to produce. It is the Spirit working in us (verses
22 and 23) — the Holy Spirit who dwells in us when we accept Jesus as our Lord
and Savior.
But we can’t fight with God, resist His plans
and purposes for our lives, and experience His supernatural peace. Many of us
would like to think (and try) to live as we please. But today’s text tells us
we must crucify our sinful desires and yield ourselves to the control of the
Holy Spirit (verses 24 and 25) to see the fruit of the Spirit (specifically
peace) develop in our lives. We do our part by studying God’s Word, letting it
transform our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2); applying what we learn (James
1:23); and praying in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).
As followers of Jesus, others should look to
us when they need peace. Not because our surroundings or circumstances are
peaceful, but because our hearts and minds are at peace with God through the
death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Act:
Do you have peace? If not, what needs to
change?
Pray:
Father, you are our peace-giver. You sent
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to die for us so that we could have peace with You.
Help us to yield to and stay in step with the Holy Spirit within us and to
crucify those things in our lives that would destroy the peace you have given
us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Verse References:
- Romans 3:17: “… and the way of peace they do not know.”
- John 14:27: “… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid …”
- Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- James 1:23: Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror …
- Philippians 4:6-7: 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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