God's Holy Spirit Bearing Fruit - Peace
Bearing Fruit - Peace
When you hear the word ‘peace’ what immediately comes to mind? A beautiful seaside with birds and a magnificent sunrise or sunset? Going off on a vacation all by yourself? A world without war? Or just simply peace of mind? It’s ironic isn’t it that most people generally want a peaceful world, but cannot seem to actually make it happen. Why?
We essentially live in a selfish world. Humans are basically concerned with self. The quest for power and material possessions have led to an ‘every man for himself’ type of attitude. Gone are the days when a neighbour would look out for another neighbour. Genuine concern for our fellow man is very rare.Crime, civil disobedience and war have increased in the last few years, leaving people with shattered homes and lives. What would it take to have peace among ourselves?
The bible tells us we must pursue peace:
“Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
Peace is something we must genuinely want. If we truly want it, we must make the effort to live in peace with others.The bible also tells us that in the last days the love of many people will grow cold. Matthew 24:12
If you believe we are truly living in the last days then you can understand why the world is in such chaos today. However, that is no reason to lose hope in attaining a peaceful life for yourself. If we do our part to make peace then we would have contributed in some small way in making this world a better place.So what can we do?
“Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.” Romans 12:18If we make a concerted effort to live in peace with everyone we will be blessed.
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God”. Matthew 5:9
Peace is another attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If we have God’s Spirit living in us then we can easily have peace with ourselves and others. How can we obtain God’s Holy Spirit? By repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38).
True world peace will not happen in this life, only upon the return of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6-7
Until then, let us do what little we can to make peace with our neighbour and fellow man.
