The type of peace described in the fruit of the spirit is usually the definition of calmness and quiet and can also be interpreted as seeking after that sense of stillness and calmness. I am going to look at this a slightly different way and talk about a different kind of peace which I believe could still be considered to be the definition of peace in this context. Mel x
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Recently a man who was armed with a gun, was shot dead by police at Guildford cathedral- a place people would normally associate with peace. His family released a statement saying that he was a manic depressive and he would go to the cathedral grounds 'to find solace and inner peace'.
Inner peace....what is that and how do we get it?
People associate the word peace with calmness, no fighting (often relating to war) and quiet. But what does it mean to have inner peace?
Last night at my church home group we talked about John 21, where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, a dialogue that culminates in these few verses....
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
We then discussed why as people we often seem to compare ourselves to other people, be it in a more positive or negative light. Often people will say things like 'I wish my family were more like that family' or 'I wish i was more outgoing as X' etc etc, but why cant we just be comfortable in our own skin.?Not worrying what is going to happen to other people, just as Jesus said "...what is that to you?".
Jesus just said to Peter 'You must follow me" Does this mean being comfortable about who we are, not worrying about what other people are doing and thinking and being happy enough to be who God's made us to be, and do what God's called us to do? Is this finding peace?
Is inner peace kowing and being happy with who you are, and what you do? Surely as only we are accountable for our lives when we face God, it is only the way we live that matters and it only matters what God thinks. So when we do something, if people are talking about us or we think they're talking about us is irrelevant-as long as it pleases God thats all that matters. When we've reached this attitude-is this inner peace?
Last night challenged me so much to seek to please God and be comfortable in my own skin just as God made me. To be aware of differences but appreciate them, understand that God has made us all individuals and that at the end of the day, what does it matter to you what happens to others...we are to follow Jesus.
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Please see the Rob Bell Nooma video- 'Name' for more information. I found this DVD very challenging but worth a watch.
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