Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Leader. –1 Peter 1:2
We’ve been studying the peace of God and how we can grow in it. In the beginning story from last week where Jesus stood up in the boat and spoke to the raging storm, Peace! And it grew calm, then turned to his disciples asking, have you no faith yet? His words suggested he expected growth in their faith and peace. He expected their peace to be so strong by then that it could bring change to their surroundings and inspire more peace to those around them.
With that said, personal peace can be elusive at times. You know how you can look peaceful yet inside there’s turmoil in your mind or emotions. So, we’re continuing on the journey to grow in peace. In my study and experience more and more, I’ve noticed a few more things that have proven helpful from the Word of God.
The Eternal Covenant of Peace
For one thing, Father God has made a covenant with us the people of God. He declared just like in the days of Noah when he made a promise to him as representative of mankind. He promised that he would not destroy the earth like that again then gave the sign of a rainbow to confirm it, he will keep the promise.
In the same way, he has made a covenant of peace with his people. The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, |With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer. For this as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” –Isaiah 54:9,10
Here are five more peace loving things to do to grow and multiply your gift of peace to overflow and bless the world around you.
- Become a peacemaker. We talked earlier about how we are called as peacemakers. In fact, our peace should be a witness to others. It’s not like we have to be perfect in our peace. We just need to live peace more and more. That’s another thing we briefly discussed, peace is multiplied meaning we can get better and better in receiving, keeping and pursuing peace. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. –James 3:18
- Grow in the leading of the Spirit. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit you will grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Walking in what the Bible calls ‘the works of the flesh’ resists a life led by the Spirit. The Galatian writer also instructs us that walking in the works of the flesh will cause us to not inherit the kingdom of God. He warns us the practice of adultery, fornication, …drunkenness, wild parties lead to enmity against the Spirit of God. On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. –Galatians 5:22
- Pray in every situation. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7
- Live in peace. Peace is another choice for us to make. Ask any couple, a decision for peace is made somewhere along the way to keep the peace. With the agreement of peace in place, either spouse can choose to not escalate the matter. Proverbs, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” The Corinthian writer says it like this, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” –2 Corinthians 13:11
- Be justified in peace. Through Christ we have been justified. Acknowledge your justification in Christ and grow in peace. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. –Romans 5:1
The Gift of Peace
Jesus said, Peace I leave with you. It was one of his last moments before His ascension back to the heavenly Father. Not as the world gives it, he said. I imagine his disciples standing there were tearful. It was like they were losing him all over again. To comfort them he said, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will send you the Comforter. He will guide you and remind you of all things I have said.
Through it all, on a daily basis we seek peace by becoming a peacemaker, following the leading of the Spirit, using prayer in every situation with supplication and petition, living in peace and growing in peace.
Practice these things more and more and you will discover grace and peace multiplied in your life.
Earma Brown, Founder of Grace Covenant House, 12 Book Christian Author & Indie Publisher | The GCH blog and GCH podcast are reader/listener supported, please consider supporting, click here: Grace Covenant Shop | GraceMediaMerch.com
Notes:
“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God. –Matthew 5:9 Amplified