THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT #3: PEACE

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT #3: PEACE

This week, we have been learning a new series titled “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit.” This is an essential part of our Christian walk. In the past few days, we focused on the Scripture passage Galatians 5:22–23, which says: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The third aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace.
Philippians 4:6–7 (AMP)
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation], by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
God’s peace is not just a soothing feeling. It is a guard—a sentry, a watchman—posted at the gates of your heart and mind. This peace comes when we make our requests known to God without anxiety. It brings divine stability in the midst of human instability. It is far more than a temporary comfort—it is a sustaining presence.
 In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is eirēnē, which means inner tranquility and wholeness. The Old Testament word shalom goes even deeper. It refers to wholeness in every area of life—harmony with God, others, and self; prosperity, health, and security. Nothing missing, nothing broken. It is the presence of God even in the midst of trouble.
Mark 4:37–40 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
We have all faced situations like this, where chaos and trouble surround us. But the presence of Jesus brings peace.
Even in the midst of a furious storm, Jesus was sleeping. He was God in human form. When the disciples woke Him, He rebuked the wind—and peace prevailed. Jesus could sleep through the storm because He carried peace within Him. He knew that nothing would happen without His Father’s knowledge. If we know the end, we will not worry. His peace wasn’t determined by what was around Him, but by who He was connected to. He did not panic because He was doing His Father’s work on earth.
 Peace is a person—and that person is Jesus.
John 14:27 “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.”
His peace was not based on circumstances—He was the peace-giver.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus gives this same peace to us. Because He had this peace within, He remained calm when standing before Pilate, in Gethsemane, and even during His crucifixion. He is the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Peace comes from anchored thoughts and steady trust in God’s goodness.
Colossians 3:15 (AMP) “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”
Peace is not just a gift—it is a governor, an umpire that helps you make decisions. If peace leaves you, don’t proceed. Peace is the deciding factor.
A Story of Peace in Grief: Horatio Spafford
Horatio Spafford (1828–1888) was a successful Christian lawyer and businessman in Chicago who faced a series of heartbreaking tragedies:
1. The Great Chicago Fire (1871)

• Spafford lost a large portion of his real estate investments.
• Despite financial ruin, he continued helping others and stayed active in ministry.

2. Death of His Son

• His only son, just four years old, died of illness.

3. Tragedy at Sea (1873)

• To help his family recover from grief, Spafford planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters.
• Due to last-minute business matters, he sent them ahead on the ship SS Ville du Havre.
• The ship collided with another vessel and sank in just 12 minutes.
• All four daughters—Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta—di,d.
• His wife, Anna, survived and sent him a telegram: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”

 Spafford at once sailed to meet his grieving wife. During the voyage, the captain showed him the approximate location where his daughters had drowned. In that moment of unimaginable sorrow, Spafford wrote the words of this famous hymn:
“It Is Well with My Soul”
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
God is able to give us this peace—no matter what we face.