Peace

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world!

–Jesus (John 16:33)

Have you heard the saying,

“Know Jesus– Know Peace; No Jesus– No Peace”?

I think we can agree that life without Jesus is peace-less. (Don’t mistake ‘calm’ for ‘peace’. Calm is a state of mind or attitude. Peace is a fruit of The Spirit.)

But how many of us, who are believers or followers of Jesus KNOW peace?

Why?

I believe that many of us make a truce with God instead of receiving the peace of God through The Prince of Peace. There is a huge difference between peace and truce. A truce says, “You can do your “thing.” I can do my “thing.” We agree to allow each other to do those “things” without battling or fighting. A truce is a coexistence without getting into “each other’s business.” Peace, on the other hand, is mutual harmony; a breathing of the same air. Peace says, “Together we can do this; we can live in harmony; we will love and accept and encourage.” Peace is unity.

So how is your unity with God?

Are you just coexisting, “God, You do Your thing, I’ll do mine. Yes, I believe in You, but I’m ok doing life on my own.” A truce?

Or are you exercising your harmony, growing your fruit of peace, getting to KNOW the Prince of Peace, saying to God, “I want to breathe Your air, live the way You desire, allow You to battle for me—with me on Your side. I want to be in unity with You!”

That’s when you will KNOW peace.

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world!

–Jesus (John 16:33)