Good morning, Five Minute Families. Thank you for joining us in this journey of discovering more about the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5 – Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This week, as we are progressing backwards through that list, we are talking today about peace.

I woke up the other morning stressed… stressed about important things I have left undone in my family. And, this state of undone made me feel I had let them down. Then, I had to realize that no matter what I have gotten wrong, God has a great plan for me and for all of my family members, even the ones I let down. Knowing that God has a plan, and He will use ALL things – done and undone – for His glory and my good, I felt the peace of His truth and of His strength wash over me.

Oxford Languages online dictionary defines peace as ‘freedom from disturbance; tranquility.’ This refers to mental calm and serenity as well. The King James Version of the Bible uses the word ‘peace’ 400 times while others translations use it 200-300 times along with many of its synonyms which make more sense for our modern English understanding – synonyms such as silence, quiet, rest, still, satisfy, ease, and fellowship. Biblically, Strong’s Concordance G1515 defines peace to mean “one, peace, quietness, rest” and the Strong’s definition we found the most interesting “set as one again.”

As I reflect back on the Fruit of the Spirit songs from my childhood that I mentioned a few devotionals ago, I thought about the “Peace” song. The verses refer to mom and dad and knowing that they are there for the child singing. The child feels safe. Peace brings us a sense of safety when we are set as one again. The family is together and working toward a greater purpose and goal.

Luke 2:14 … when Christ had been born, and the angel and multitude of heavenly host spoke to the shepherds saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Peace… the prince of peace had been born. Sent to set us as one with the God of the universe. And, once he had fulfilled His earthly tasks, He ascended and sent us the Holy Spirit. The one who continues to bring peace.

Remember, the fruit of the Spirit are INTERpersonal. Interpersonal is an adjective “involving relationships between people.” We have peace with God, and we can have peace with others. With God, we must learn to rest in His peace, but with others, we have skills and practices we must learn. Hebrews 12:14 reminds us, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

As with all the fruit of the Spirit, we must first realize God’s sovereignty and His example of the attribute we are talking about. The Bible calls God the ‘God of Peace’ for a reason. Thus, to develop peace in our homes we need to work in partnership with the Holy Spirit and:

Focus on the important needs. Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Examine what parts of the world we’re letting dominate our thoughts. Are you overcommitted? Are you worried about what might happen? John 14:27 Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

Embrace the tough conversations. Often times, we let the tough conversations go unspoken because we don’t know how they will go. Yet, when we harbor resentment or frustrations that need to be discussed and worked through, we are robbing ourselves and others of the peace that is possible in our relationship.

Have boundaries for everyone in the home – adults and children alike. Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” When we allow our time to be overran with our daily desires and miss seeking His kingdom, we lose peace.

Practice grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Remember Psalm 34:14 tells us to “turn away from evil and do good; to seek peace and pursue it.” We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By practicing grace, mercy, and forgiveness, we train our children to see that there are opportunities to turn away from evil and that in seeking peace, we establish stronger, closer relationships with one another.

May the peace of our Lord bring you together as a family and to Himself as we are set as one again with Him.  Our connection with our Creator and Savior brings the ultimate peace.  Be blessed.