The Fruit of the Spirit - Pt 4

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). The next characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. The Greek word the apostle uses is "eirene." This word means "to join" and by implication it means prosperity. It is translated peace, quietness, rest and one. According to the Strong's Concordance it describes harmonious relationships between men and nations. It speaks of freedom from attack. The corresponding Hebrew word "shalom" primarily means wholeness and is connected to salvation. It also means to be "finished," “to be made perfect," and "full." Isn't it wonderful that a slice of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit in your life is to promote and establish peace and harmonious relationships with people and ultimately nations? It brings you to a place of wholeness, fulfillment and completion. Peace also is connected to salvation. A saved soul is a soul at peace because the Prince of peace. This peace may not always come to us without circumstantial turmoil. Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner. The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel it’s cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil. If you are surrounded with the turmoil of life, would you let the Holy Spirit bring the fruit of peace to your life? It begins with redemption and continues through life to our ultimate glorification in Christ.