The Fruit of the Spirit ... PEACE

Driving into Lake Arrowhead across the dam, seeing blue skies, green mountains, and a beautiful lake is so peaceful. Yet, peaceful surroundings do not guarantee a peaceful heart. So, where can we go to find peace? To the one who is peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). And He later said, “(Everything I have told you is) so that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33).

Peace is included in the Galatians 5 list of the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Jesus said, “A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit.” And then He said, “You shall know them by their fruits.” The way we live proves what lives in us. The presence or absence of the fruit of the Spirit is obvious. It’s obvious in our character, in our moral choices, and in our relationships. The way we live proves what lives in us. And the fruit of the Spirit is proof that Christ lives in us.