Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

There are many differing definitions or understandings of what “peace” means. In a global setting, peace is used to identify a period where there is not war or fighting. For others peace may mean a place of quiet and tranquility, or perhaps a sense of calm. And while I believe that God is a God who desires global peace, and who can be found in the calm places, Biblical peace goes beyond these definitions. 

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that God’s peace will “transcend all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds”. In John 14:27 Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

At DuHope we have been reflecting and discussing the fruits of the spirit - and I think that is just it - the peace God brings is within us in our spirit. It is a sense that no matter what is happening around us, God is still real, God is with us, and God loves us. Even when we feel scared, nervous, or anxious, we can simultaneously feel the peace of God’s existence in our lives

Passy, our Spiritual Development Associate, will be working with Cohort 1 to identify what this inner peace may look like in their own lives, and what things it can lead to in their future. We cannot guarantee that they will not face ongoing challenges such as discrimination, oppression, lack of safety, and the ongoing impact of the traumas they have faced, however, we can promise them that there is a God of peace who loves them and together discuss ways to find that peace.

For some of us we may find that through sitting in nature, for others it may be reading the Bible, or listening to music, or singing, or perhaps by gathering with others, or through prayer. However you find the peace that God has promised, we hope that you will also pray that the DuHope artisans may also find it.