Peace is the ultimate attainment. Peace makes everything ok! We strive for world peace, political peace, and peace in our lives and relationships. Peace seems illusive and etheral. It can only happen through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to make peace possible. First of all, we can have peace with God through Jesus’ death on the cross. Our hostility with God ends when we receive the gift of salvation through Jesus…spiritual peace! Spiritual peace brings assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, of our place in His family, and of our eternal hope and home in Heaven.

Jesus also offers personal peace, peace in all circumstances. Anxiety and stress result when we try to control the uncontrolable. When we are not leaving our daily lives in God’s hand and fully trusting him, we try to manage everything ourselves. That is a tremendous burden resulting in stress. Only when we lay it down and surrender all to Jesus can we have deep peace even through the trials and tribulations, knowing that God is in control.

Jesus leads us to have relational peace. In Romans 12:18, Paul says that we are to make peace to the best of our ability. Relational peace requires more than one person to cooperate, so we are to do all that we can, whether we are the offender or the offended. Remember that Jesus offers forgiveness freely, and we are to do the same. Grudges and unforgiveness wreck our peace and do little to punish the other person. Don’t live angry, wounded or victimized, let it go, give it all to God and receive His peace. 

Scriptures – Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB); John 15:8 (CEB); John 14:27 (NRSV); Romans 5:1 (NLT); Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT); Isaiah 26:3 (GNT); Matthew 10:29-31 (VOICE); Psalm 119:165 (NCV); Romans 8:6 (NCV); Romans 12:18 (NIV); Matthew 5:23-24 (NCV); Philippians 2:4 (NRSV); Ephesians 4:29 (GNT); James 3:17 (TLB); 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ERV)

Verses – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Ga 5:22-23) “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 let them be afraid.” (Jn 14:27) You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. (Is 26:3) Those who love your teachings will find true peace, and nothing will defeat them. (Ps 119:165)

Questions – How are you doing in the area of spiritual peace…personal peace…relational peace? Which of these areas is most difficult to attain and maintain? Why? Which area is easiest? Why? Is there a relationship you need to bring peace to? What steps will you take? Remember to pray, pray, pray and ask God to guide your words.

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to offer forgiveness and reconciliation with you through his sacrifice. Help me to fully trust you in all circumstances and to rest secure in your control. Thank you that it can be well with my soul, in my personal life, and in my relationships through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.