...Peace...

Joy is followed by Peace. Peace is similar to Joy (chara) in many ways, the word in Greek is eirene (pronounced a[long a]-ray-nay) and translated means "peace, tranquility". When used as a noun it is used to describe harmonious relationships between God and man, man with man, and nation with nation. It also carries the idea of being free from disturbance and having a senses of rest and contentment.

This is what Jesus gives his disciples when He says in John 20.19, "Peace be with you." He is giving them peace and tranquility in the midst of fear and chaos. He is showing them that He is alive and that the relationship between God and man is now fully possible, that there will come a time when all men live in peace together, and that the nations will one day be in harmony.

That is what eirene is, but what does it do?

Philippians 4.4-9

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 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."

As I said in the introductory blog it's "the Fruit of the Spirit is" not "Fruits...are" and this section of Scripture starts with the idea of Joy, "Rejoice in the Lord always" Remember chara is the reason for rejoicing, and we rejoice in the Lord.

It goes on to tell us to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. When we do this it says that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus and that this peace passes all comprehension. This is peace that makes no sense. This is peace of God, peace that God gives. This is being a child curled up in daddy's arms knowing that nothing can hurt you, that you are safe and protected.

It says to be anxious for nothing and rather than focusing on everything that could go wrong Paul gives us a list of things to focus on instead; whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Look at that list again:

True, truth is that which will never let us down.
Honorable, something that is serious and dignified, something with the dignity of holiness upon it.
Right, this carries the idea of being just.
Pure, those who are morally uncontaminated.
Lovely, this is the idea of that which calls forth love, someone whose presence inspires love.
Good Repute, this describes the things which are fit for God to hear
Excellence, these are the high things that should dominate our minds.
Worthy of Praise, who but God is worthy to be praised?
(Taken from William Barclay on Philippians)

In all of these I see God, and it says that if I practice these things that the God of Peace will be with me. If He is the God of peace and He is with me, then His characteristics will also be with me. John 14.27 says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

Entering into a relationship with Jesus and surrendering to Him focusing my life on Him gives me that peace.

With peace, eirene, I am content with life. I have peace because of joy, chara, my reason to rejoice, my source of joy. My source of joy is love, agape, the unconditional love that God has for me. And all of this comes from God.

Peace, tranquility, harmony, sense of rest and contentment.

Peace be with you