Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeUzorak

PEACE That Transcends All Understanding

Read John chapter 14 verses 25-27 and Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-7

John 14:25-27

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.

Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection on the passage:

Our world needs peace on so many levels. Wars continue to rage between countries and within families. Dividing lines become walls and it’s difficult to even imagine a way through. Younger generations especially are crippled with anxiety and try all kinds of ways to find peace within. We may seek solutions to our world’s problems through political means, education, or psychology that can help temporarily or in some measure. But there is a peace that the world cannot give. As we read these two passages, we can see that true and lasting peace is found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

When Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure, He knows that not only will His crucifixion be an extremely traumatic experience for them, but that after His ascension they will continue to face scary situations and conflicts as they go out on the mission of making disciples. One of the gifts Jesus offers them, ongoingly accessible through the promised Holy Spirit, is much needed peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…” Jesus tells them that He gives peace in a different way than the world does. In fact, Jesus brings peace by offering up Himself. He deals with our anxious and warring world at the very heart of the problem – human sin. Jesus, through His death, makes a way for us to have peace with God – the most foundational relationship upon which all peace is built.

Like the first disciples, we need this peace that Christ is offering us. Whatever is troubling or worrying us this very day, Jesus invites us to bring to Him in prayer. In so doing, we open ourselves to receive a peace that is not of this world and that is far beyond what humans can figure out on our own. This peace of Christ not only calms us, but becomes a spiritual protection guarding the two areas that anxiety tries to take over – our hearts and minds. We are invited to surrender this territory to Jesus and allow His peace to rule. Certainly, God can work through various means such as strategies for caring for our mental health that can help remove blocks to receiving His peace – but it is Christ who heals and frees us!

Even more, as we abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit will grow in us the fruit of peace. Then we become not only at peace within ourselves, but agents of peace in the world, bringing a peace that comes from the source – the Prince of Peace Himself.

Focus verse for prayerful reflection:
“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.” (John chapter 14 verse 27)

Meditate on these words of Christ and hear them as His words to you. Where are you feeling troubled and afraid? Can you receive the peace He is giving you? Take some time to be with Jesus.