Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to
you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” —John 14:27

Overview
Peace is a central aspect of Christian life, providing both emotional and spiritual well-
being. For believers, peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is a state of inner
calm rooted in trust in God. This guide offers biblical wisdom and practical advice to
help Christians seek and maintain peace, including relevant scriptures, examples of
biblical figures who lived in peace, and practical steps to incorporate peace into daily
life.

Definition and Nature

Peace is a state of calm and wholeness that stems from trust in God’s presence and
sovereignty. It manifests both internally (e.g., emotional calm, mental clarity) and
externally (e.g., relational harmony, avoidance of conflict). While external
circumstances may fluctuate, biblical peace provides stability and well-being even
amid trials and uncertainty.

Why Seek Peace

 Peace is a Gift from God: Peace is a divine gift from God, given through
Christ, offering a calm assurance that surpasses all understanding (John
14:27).

 Peace Reflects God's Character: Seeking peace mirrors God’s nature as the
"God of peace," promoting righteousness and harmony (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

 Peace Promotes Spiritual and Emotional Health: Peace nourishes

spiritual and emotional well-being, providing calm amidst life's challenges
(Philippians 4:6-7).

 Peace Fosters Relational Harmony: Pursuing peace enhances

relationships, fostering reconciliation and unity with others (Romans 12:18).

 Peace is Essential for Witnessing: Living in peace stands as a powerful

testimony to others, pointing them to Christ, the Prince of Peace (Matthew
5:9).

 Peace Prepares Us for Eternity: Peace on earth is a foretaste of the eternal

peace we will experience in God's kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Biblical Perspective
The Bible consistently emphasises peace as a gift from God, encouraging believers to
seek peace through faith, trust in God, and obedience to His Word. Jesus is called the
"Prince of Peace," and Scripture assures us that true peace is found in Him,
regardless of external circumstances. Understanding peace from a biblical
perspective provides believers with comfort, stability, and direction in a world full of
unrest.
Original Languages:

Old Testament (Hebrew):

 ‫( ָׁשלֹום‬shalom): Translated as "peace," meaning completeness, wholeness,

and welfare. It signifies a state of overall well-being and harmony in both
relationships and life circumstances.
o Example: Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in
you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

New Testament (Greek):

 εἰρήνη (eirēnē): Translated as "peace," referring to inner calm and harmony,

and especially the peace that comes from reconciliation with God through
Christ.

o Example: John 14:27 (NLT) - "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of

mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So
don’t be troubled or afraid."

Cultural and Historical Context:

 Old Testament Context: Peace (shalom) was often linked to security,
prosperity, and God’s covenant with Israel. Peace was viewed not only as the
absence of war but also as a reflection of God's blessing and favour. It was
something to be sought after through obedience to God's laws and living in
harmony with His covenant. The peace of a nation was frequently tied to its
relationship with God.

o Example: In Numbers 6:24-26, the famous priestly blessing prays for

God’s peace to rest upon His people, showing that peace was a divine
gift: "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favour and give you
his peace." This peace included prosperity, security, and well-being in
the land.

 New Testament Context: In the New Testament, peace took on a deeper,

spiritual dimension. Jesus is described as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6),
and through His death and resurrection, He reconciled humanity with God,
offering a profound peace that goes beyond worldly circumstances. The early
Christians faced persecution, yet they were encouraged to find peace in Christ,
which transcends external situations.

o Example 1: In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples of the peace He

gives: "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the
peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or
afraid."

o Example 2: The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6-7, emphasises that

peace comes from trusting God with all concerns: "Don’t worry about
anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and
thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand."
Theological Implications:

 Peace through Trust in God: Peace in the Bible is closely tied to trusting
God's sovereignty. It is not simply the absence of conflict, but a calming
assurance rooted in the knowledge that God is in control. Trusting in His
promises leads to inner peace even in the midst of difficulties.

o Example: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to let go of worry,

turning instead to prayer and gratitude, which leads to experiencing
God’s peace beyond human understanding.

 Peace through Reconciliation in Christ: True peace begins with

reconciliation with God through Christ. Sin disrupts this peace, but Jesus'
sacrifice restores it. This reconciliation brings spiritual peace with God and
fosters peace among believers as part of the body of Christ, uniting us across
divisions.

o Example: Ephesians 2:14 highlights that Jesus, through His sacrifice, unites
believers by breaking down barriers, establishing peace between God and
humanity.

 Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit: Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is

developed in believers who walk in alignment with the Holy Spirit. It is a deep
sense of calm and assurance that transcends external circumstances and
reflects a strong relationship with God.

o Example: Romans 8:6 reminds us that allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our
thoughts leads to a life filled with peace and spiritual well-being.

 Sin and the Disturbance of Peace: Sin disrupts the peace that God gives.
Living in sin or disobedience leads to internal unrest and separation from God.
However, through repentance and confession, peace with God can be restored.

o Example: Isaiah 48:22 shows that those who live in sin are unable to
experience the peace that comes from a right relationship with God.

 Practical Application of Peace in Daily Life: The Bible calls believers to

live as peacemakers, forgiving others and promoting reconciliation. Peace is
nurtured through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and focusing on God's
promises.

o Example: Matthew 5:9 teaches that God blesses those who actively work
toward peace, both in their personal relationships and communities.
Key Bible verses about Peace
God as the Source of Peace
 2 Thessalonians 3:16: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace
at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all."

 Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose
thoughts are fixed on you!"

 Psalm 29:11: "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with
peace."
Peace is a Gift from God
 John 14:27: "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the
peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

 Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will
experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His
peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

 Romans 15:13: "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely
with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with
confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Peace comes through Christ
 Ephesians 2:14: "For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews
and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke
down the wall of hostility that separated us."

 Colossians 1:20: "And through him God reconciled everything to himself. He

made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s
blood on the cross."

 Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by
faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done
for us."
Peace is a Fruit of the Spirit
 Galatians 5:22-23: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. There is no law against these things!"

 Romans 8:6: "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.
But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."
Living at Peace with Others
 Romans 12:18: "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."

 Hebrews 12:14: "Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a
holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."

 Matthew 5:9: "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called
the children of God."
Biblical Examples of Peace
Jesus Calms the Storm:

 Example: Jesus and His disciples were caught in a fierce storm while on a
boat, causing the disciples to panic and fear for their lives.

 Action: Jesus demonstrated His authority over nature by commanding the

wind and waves to be still, bringing immediate peace to the situation. His
action revealed that true peace comes from trusting in Him, even in life’s
storms (Mark 4:35-41).

Gideon and the Altar of Peace:

 Example: Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
Despite his fear and doubt, God reassured him that He would be with him.

 Action: After God spoke to Gideon, giving him peace of mind about his
mission, Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace." This act
symbolises how trusting God’s promises brings inner peace, even when facing
overwhelming odds (Judges 6:22-24).

Abigail's Peacemaking:

 Example: Abigail, the wife of Nabal, acted quickly to prevent King David from
attacking her household after her husband insulted him.

 Action: Abigail approached David with humility and offered him gifts,
appealing to his sense of righteousness. Her wise and peaceful intervention
not only averted bloodshed but also demonstrated the power of peacemaking
in reconciling others (1 Samuel 25:18-35).

Solomon's Peaceful Reign:

 Example: Solomon, known for his wisdom, was blessed with peace on all
sides during much of his reign. His reign is often seen as a time of prosperity
and stability for Israel.

 Action: Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, focusing on worshiping God

and maintaining peace in the nation. His peaceful reign demonstrated the
connection between honouring God and enjoying national peace (1 Kings 4:24-
25).

Paul’s Peace in Prison:

 Example: While imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Paul remained calm and
continued to encourage believers, despite his difficult circumstances.

 Action: Paul’s letters from prison reflect his deep inner peace and trust in
God. He urged others to rejoice and experience the peace of God, which he
himself modelled in the midst of hardship (Philippians 4:6-7; Acts 16:25).
Elijah and the Still Small Voice:

 Example: After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah found himself in fear and despair,
hiding in a cave. He sought God’s presence, expecting Him to appear in
dramatic ways like wind, earthquakes, or fire.

 Action: Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, bringing him peace.
This encounter illustrates how God often brings peace quietly and personally,
calming the fears of those who seek Him (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Barnabas as a Peacemaker:

 Example: After Saul’s conversion, many believers were still afraid of him
because of his past persecution of Christians. They doubted his sincerity in
following Christ.

 Action: Barnabas intervened, acting as a peacemaker by vouching for Saul

and encouraging the apostles to accept him. His advocacy helped bridge the
gap between Saul and the early church, fostering unity and peace (Acts 9:26-
27).

Hannah’s Prayer and Peace:

 Example: Hannah was deeply distressed over her barrenness, pouring out her
soul in prayer at the temple. After her prayer, Eli the priest blessed her, and
she found peace in God’s promise.

 Action: Hannah’s faith led to the birth of Samuel, but her peace came before
the answer. Her example shows how prayer and trust in God can bring peace,
even before circumstances change (1 Samuel 1:10-18).
Praying the scriptures
Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You seeking Your perfect peace, the peace that surpasses all
understanding and guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Your
Word assures me that You are the source of true peace, not as the world gives, but a
peace that calms every fear and brings rest to my soul (John 14:27).

Lord, I lift up to You every worry, every fear, and every source of unrest in my life. I
ask for Your peace to fill my heart, reminding me that You are in control. Help me to
trust in You, knowing that You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in
times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Let Your peace settle deep within me, quieting my
spirit as I trust in Your faithful care (Isaiah 26:3).

You are the God of peace, and I ask for Your peace to reign in my life, in my
relationships, and in my thoughts. When I face conflict or uncertainty, help me to be
a peacemaker, showing Your love and grace to those around me (Matthew 5:9).
Teach me to reflect Your peace in all that I do, knowing that peace comes from a life
centred on You.

Thank You, Lord, for being my peace in the midst of the storm. I lay my burdens at
Your feet, trusting that You will take care of me, and I will not be shaken (Psalm
55:22). When life feels overwhelming, help me to turn to You, confident that You will
sustain me with Your presence (1 Peter 5:7).

I rest in Your promise that nothing can separate me from Your love, and that You will
keep me in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on You (Isaiah 26:3). Let Your peace be
my strength as I walk with You each day.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Practical Steps for Seeking God’s Peace
Pray and Surrender to God

Regular prayer is essential for experiencing God's peace. In prayer, you can
surrender your worries and burdens to God, trusting Him to handle what you cannot
control.

o Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will
experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand."

Meditate on Scripture

God’s Word is a source of peace. Meditating on God’s promises and character

realigns your heart with His truth, bringing calm to your mind and soul.

o Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose
thoughts are fixed on you!"

Focus on Gratitude

Cultivating a heart of gratitude shifts your focus from worry to God’s blessings.
Thanking God for His goodness, even in difficult circumstances, helps to anchor your
soul in peace.

o 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will
for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Trust in God’s Sovereignty

Believing that God is in control of all things brings a deep sense of peace. Even when
life seems uncertain, trust that God is working for your good and His glory.

o Romans 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for
the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for
them."

Pursue Peace with Others

Being at peace with others, forgiving offenses, and extending grace reflects God’s
love and brings peace into your life. Strive to resolve conflicts and promote unity in
relationships.

o Romans 12:18: "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."

o Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit,
binding yourselves together with peace."

Engage in Worship

Worship shifts your focus from problems to God’s greatness. Praising God for who He
is brings peace, reminding you of His presence and power in your life.

o Psalm 29:11: "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with
peace."
Walk in the Spirit

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. By staying in step with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to
guide your thoughts and actions, you will experience the inner peace that comes
from a life lived in harmony with God.

o Galatians 5:22-23: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control."

Practice Rest and Stillness

Take time to rest in God’s presence. In the busyness of life, setting aside moments of
quiet to reflect on God’s goodness allows His peace to refresh your soul.

o Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God!"

Encouragement
As you seek God's peace, remember that true peace is not found in the absence of
trials or changing circumstances, but in the constant presence of God. His peace, a
gift given through Christ, surpasses all understanding and is available to you no
matter the challenges you face. God promises to be with you, calming your heart and
guiding your steps.
Allow His peace to rule in your heart, trusting that He will sustain you. When you feel
overwhelmed, turn to Him in prayer, meditate on His promises, and rest in the
assurance that He is in control. God's peace is not fleeting, but a lasting source of
strength and comfort. As Philippians 4:9 reminds us, "Keep putting into practice all
you learned and received from me... Then the God of peace will be with you."
Jesus reassures us in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace
in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I
have overcome the world."
May you walk in His peace, and may it be a powerful witness to those around you,
pointing them to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.