This week’s study is concentrating on peace. Thank you for joining me, as we explore God’s word. I pray it will be a blessing to you.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23a CEB

The shadows danced across the mountainside, as I sat on the wide porch of my favorite mountain inn.

Sitting in the red Adirondack chair, enjoying the quiet of my surroundings, my heart, and soul overflowing with a peace I have felt only when resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit. And there was no doubt He was there. Looking around at the beautiful flowers and trees which graced the grounds of this rustic mountain inn, I gave thanks to God for His loving creation.

From the time the vehicle begins the climb to the inn on its winding, narrow road, to the moment the inn comes into view, to the friendly welcome of the proprietor, I feel like I have come home. The peace of this special place fills my soul.

Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

John 14:27a NIV 

Our Heavenly Father is a God of Peace. According to the above verse, true peace is given by God. As a Fruit of the Spirit, peace is evident in the lives of believers who make it a priority to maintain a close relationship with Jesus Christ. When we walk daily with Him, we grow in our faith. As a result, we experience His peace.

 Our Heavenly Father is a God of peace. #VineWords #TheFruitofPeace @venable_wells Click To Tweet

Jesus knew before He went to the cross, that His disciples were about to desert Him. He also knew they would begin to understand, on the other side of the resurrection, what He had taught them. Jesus knew they eventually would become strong in their faith and would serve Him the rest of their lives. Their trust in Him, and their faith, would provide the peace which would carry them through the suffering and hardships they would face.

In the middle of persecution, oppression, and hardship, there can be peace. Peace is found in our heart, as we trust God. It is not found in the world. The world looks at peace as the absence of war; it is unlike what we experience when we rest in the kind of peace the Holy Spirit gives.

The following Scriptures may be familiar to you, as they are some of the better-known verses which we find in both the Old and New Testaments concerning peace. As you set aside time to study God’s word this week, I suggest you take one of the verses each day using them for reflection and study. You may find it helpful to memorize them or to write them on a sticky note to look at during the day for a reminder of how important it is to God for us to have peace in Him.

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NIV)
• Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:11 (CEB)
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NIV)
• For God is not a God of disorder but of peace …. (1 Corinthians 14:33a NLT)
• Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:33 KJV)
• Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NIV)
• The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 NASB)

Our Heavenly Father will bless us, as we determine to live peacefully with those around us. Sometimes we find it hard to do, as we encounter those who seem to thrive on strife. Instead of focusing on their contention, we can determine to trust God to provide strength when we need it and to show them kindness and grace. He asks us to practice the things we have learned from Him. In doing so, the God of peace will be glorified.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and His Holy Spirit is the source of true peace. The way we react to challenging circumstances can bring peace to others. We do not have to buy in to the negative mindset of the world. We can reflect His peace, thus bringing calmness to chaotic circumstances and situations.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV) tells us, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Without Him it is impossible to experience the peace which passes all understanding. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, I invite you to do so today. It would be an honor for you to share your decision to follow Him with me.

Father God, please reveal Your great love for us, as we call upon You. Show us how to share this love with others, as Jesus did, when He lived on the earth. I also pray for the ones reading this Bible study, who do not know You as Savior and Lord. Please draw them to You, and guide them into repentance and salvation. For Your glory, we pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright 2020 @ Evelyn Mason Wells: The Fruit of Peace

Meet Our Contributor 

EVELYN MASON WELLS

Evelyn Mason Wells is an award-winning author who has contributed to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains(2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies),  Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).

Find her articles/devotions at Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Christian Broadcasting Network.

Evelyn is an Editor, Bible study writer, and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. She is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).

Passionate about glorifying God through her writing and speaking, Evelyn enjoys spending time on short-term mission trips, both domestic and foreign. She was recently blessed with an opportunity to speak/minister in Uganda.

Evelyn loves attending Bible Studies, spiritual retreats, and having good conversation with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is also an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. Evelyn enjoys good books, her cats, traveling, and especially spending time with her family.

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