Peace- 2nd Advent Sunday
What is Peace, dictionary definition:
1 : freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
2 : freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
The concept of Peace can be very subjective, however ultimate Peace comes from God and our connection to our faith.
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace with God is the first and a necessary step towards getting other types of peace.
As Jesus told John, “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.” (John 14:27)
The bible refers to Peace as a “deep sense of wholeness which can also be translated as wellness.” “Jesus brings to us the inner peace or calmness in our hearts despite troubles.” (Christian Walls, 2022)
“The peace the world gives is the peace that occurs when there is no war or conflict, the one people experience when everything looks good… It is a reflection of the collective inner peace that can be seen. It gives believers confidence that God is at work and reminds us of divine presence.” (Christian Walls, 2022)
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
As we learn from Psalm 34:14, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Among the greatest gifts that God gave us is Free Will. As such, we must willingly choose, every day, to denounce ever-present evil influences amongst us and within us.
As we stray away from the Word of God, we often loose that inner Peace that Jesus brought us. We must therefore put in personal work to “search” for our faith and when we finally find it, we must work to “maintain it”. We must work to maintain our relationship with God and strive to live a life with as few sins as possible. None of us are perfect, God knows this. As long as we always search for God and His guidance, we will never stray too far from the path that He set out for us.
When we search for Peace, we are ultimately searching for God. Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus, who is the incarnation of God, as Prince of Peace: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
Once we find our Inner Peace we must be able to share it with others, as God intended.
The scripture admonishes us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
For us to also have access to God, we must live in peace with people. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 13:11", “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Whenever we come across physical, emotional, or spiritual turmoils, we must actively search for our connection to God.
Numbers 6:24–26 Encourages Us to Find Peace in God
"May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you today. May you know you are seen, known, and loved by God, cared for by God. And may he give you peace, a peace that passes all understanding, and guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
Psalms 56:3-4 says, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalms 23:3-4 A Psalm of David.
“3He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
References:
Deacon Ken Ritter, 12/04/22
and
“The Real Meaning of John 14:27 KJV NIV - Complete Answer.” Christian Walls, https://www.christianwalls.com/blogs/bible-teaching/john-14-27-meaning-kjv-niv-esv#:~:text=The%20message%20of%20John%2014%3A27%20is%20a%20promise%20of,absence%20of%20troubles%20or%20worries.
