The writer penned the words then placed them over a melody. “Peace, peace, wonderful peace coming down from the Father above sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”
The very utterance of the word “peace” brings about a remarkable sense of serenity.
It’s an elusive concept that many desire, yet few possess. The word is in the Bible over 400 times making it a well-established concept in the word of God. Scripture after scripture solidify the fact that God desires peace for His people.
The very utterance of the word “peace” brings about a remarkable sense of serenity. It’s an elusive concept that many desire, yet few possess.
Breana Henry
The peace of God passes all understanding. It is given to us as a gift when our waters are troubled. When the waves are crashing against our deck, Jesus stands and says, “Peace be still,” to our unsettled souls. It’s rest for the weary.
There is another form of peace evident in the word of God. This peace is our gift to others. It is an intentional attempt to create harmony with individuals in our lives. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” It doesn’t say, “Blessed are those who strive for peace among friends.” There is no contingency clause.
This peace is our gift to others. It is an intentional attempt to create harmony with individuals in our lives.
Breana Henry
Romans 12:18 states, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (NKJV). Again, no contingency clause. It’s not just for those who fall in line with our way of thinking or those who bring us joy. No, all men. This is an expectation for Christians. Colossians 3:15 calls us to peace. It’s not optional. It’s not extracurricular. It’s a course we’re expected to pass in order to graduate. Hebrews 12:14 urges us to “follow peace with all men… without which no man shall see the Lord.” All men.
This is an expectation for Christians…It’s not optional. It’s not extracurricular. It’s a course we’re expected to pass in order to graduate.
Breana Henry
Paul describes the kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost in Romans 14. He goes on to say that those who serve Christ in those three things are acceptable to God and are approved of men. His conclusion was that because living a righteous life full of peace and joy makes us acceptable to God and approved by those around us, we need to “follow after the things which make for peace,” and follow after “things wherewith one may edify another.”
The ability to control others, is not a gift any of us have been blessed with, but peace certainly is. We do have the ability to control what we say. We do have the ability to think before we speak and consider whether our words will contribute to peace and unity or to chaos and disunity. We can determine if our words will edify and encourage or destroy.
Even if the words are true, they must be filtered through these guidelines in order to produce the fruit of peace in our lives. Much of the disorder in our lives can be attributed to words that would have been better left unsaid. The phrase, “Hold thy peace,” is expressed in the Bible several times. In many instances, peace can be obtained by a simple holding of the tongue.
The phrase, “Hold thy peace,” is expressed in the Bible several times. In many instances, peace can be obtained by a simple holding of the tongue.
Breana Henry
The word of the Lord has been called the greatest love story ever told, thus it’s no surprise how often the topic arises in scripture. In Matthew 22, we are commanded to love the Lord and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. It goes on to say that all the law and the prophets hang on those two commandments. If we can accomplish those two things, then everything else can fall into place.
So then, what is love? It’s patient, kind, not jealous, boastful, or proud. It’s not rude. It doesn’t demand its own way. It’s not irritable, and it doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. It doesn’t rejoice in injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins. It never gives up, or loses faith, and it is always hopeful and endures through everything. These qualities make for peace.
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells his followers, “…love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven… If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that” (NLT). These actions make for peace.
It is impossible for us to make anyone be kind, patient, or any other trait, but as much as depends on us, we can do the things that make for peace.
As children of the Most High, we have the ability to walk into utter chaos and bring a sense of peace with us. We are to be Christ-like. When he entered a room, children flocked, and sinners swarmed. They were in the presence of the Prince of Peace.
It is impossible for us to make anyone be kind, patient, or any other trait, but as much as depends on us, we can do the things that make for peace.
Breana Henry
Psalm 37:11 states that the meek will have an abundance of peace. Verse 37 attributes a life full of peace to living uprightly. Loving God, loving people, and living in a way that shows that love leads to peace. There is a direct correlation to our lifestyle and the level of peace in our homes, churches, families, and relationships. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 KJV). James declared in James 3:18 that peacemakers plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness (NLT).
We have the opportunity to choose peace in our hearts, our minds, and our relationships. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” That choice makes for peace.
In Ephesians 4:1-3 Paul pleads with the saints to “be humble and gentle. Be patient with one another, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourself united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (NLT).
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