Passing the Peace – Fruit of the Spirit

“It’s time for passing the peace.”

I cringe every time I hear those words in church. It’s my least favorite part of the service. But I dutifully stand up, shake hands in the radius of parishioners who surround me, smile and say “Peace be with you,” or reply “And also to you,” if they say it first, sit down, grab the pew Bible, and look up the day’s verse. I pretend, usually, to be meditating on the Word as I stare at the page opened in front of me as people try to say the peace phrase to me.

That part of the service in my church can take a few minutes. Why? Because people wander around the sanctuary starting up conversations or introducing themselves to new people instead of just staying in their spots and greeting the people around. I am not trying to offend anybody and my apologies if I do. But I can’t be that sociable during the service. I am there at the service to get my Jesus on for the week and get right with God. If I want to chat with you, I’ll do it on the patio after service during Coffee Hour.

History of Passing of the Peace

Passing the peace goes back to Biblical times. It probably came from the Hebrew greeting “Shalom” which means peace. The classic greeting is mentioned in the epistles of Paul, Peter, and John and is also mentioned in John’s revelation. Jesus, Himself, used the phrase four times after His resurrection in Luke 24:36, John 20:19, John 20:21, and John 20:26. It is a blessing which is intended to bring comfort and calmness to a person.

But passing the peace is not peaceful, comforting, nor calming to me. At least, in church it’s not. I get knots in my stomach every time. But I’m trying to get more of the fruit element, peace, in my life so I do it. I am not getting any better at it. But how do I get more peace in my life? And, is peace already with me and I just don’t know it?

Surely, I must think of this with a spiritual mind and not a human one. In the human world, peace depends on favorable circumstances occurring. Such as I get my way, things go as expected, and there are no, very few, or manageable problems. However, peace with the Spirit helps us face troubling circumstances without being hit with anxiety, anger, or fear. Peace with the Spirit brings a quiet confidence to the heart that guides us in challenging decisions. And that peace is meant to spill over into the lives of other people. Imagine being the eye of the storm or the calmness on a turbulent sea in someone’s life. The peace element of the Fruit of the Spirit is just that (for intro to FOTS click here, Love click here, and Joy click here).

What is Spiritual Peace?

Spiritual peace is a wholeness, a completeness, and a serene feeling in the soul that is unaffected by our outward circumstances or pressures. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and will bring peace to the hearts of all those who desire it. Spiritual peace does not mean there will be no conflict. Instead, it means there is a tranquility in the heart that originates from the understanding that life is truly in the Hands of a Loving God. Spiritual peace is knowing that God is in control.

Spiritual peace pushes out turmoil, worry, anxiety, trials, and tribulations. It is a life that is safe and secure. It can bring a inner peace of mind, quietness, and contentment even in times of strife. Christians are called by God to be peacemakers. If we don’t have peace ourselves, how can we bring it to the world?

Becoming More Peaceful

So how can we get peace, or more peace, in our lives? Here are 3 helpful ways:

Spend Time with God by Reading the Bible and Praying

Here are some Bible verses to get you started.

            Psalm 4:8 – I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

            Isaiah 55:12 – For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace.

            Romans 8:6 – For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

            Job 22:21 – Agree with God, and be at peace, thereby good will come to you.

            Jude 1:2 – May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Make a Choice to Not Be Afraid

Believe and trust in God and peace will grow inside you. To be truly at peace is having a calm feeling inside you and that is like a big, warm hug from God.

Forgive Yourself and Others

Forgiveness is a prerequisite for peace. God has given us His wonderful gift of forgiveness through grace. Why are we still feeling guilty about the things we cannot change? God’s grace heals the guilt. Forgive yourself and then forgive anyone who has wronged you. Not for their sake but for yours. First pardon, then peace.

In conclusion, peace, just like love and joy, is internal and a choice. Peace takes an attitude adjustment. Do you want peace or discord in your life? The answer is just inside your heart and mind. Let’s all make the right choice.

Peace be with you.

Maybelle Crabtree