Be Fruitful - Peace

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"But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . peace . . ." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
     "No God, No peace. Know God, Know peace!" Perhaps you have seen that phrase on a t-shirt, billboard, or bumper sticker. Personally, it is one of my favorites. The word "peace" is defined in a number of ways: a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations, or a state or period of mutual concord between governments. These are all modern dictionary definitions. However, in Galatians though, the context is something different than a modern dictionary can (or will) address, for Biblical peace addresses our spiritual status between ourselves and the LORD. The word “peace” in the Bible (NT), from the Greek word (eireinei), refers to a mental attitude of tranquility based on a relationship with God in the Christian way of life.”** Peace is the third in the Galatians list, and the final of what we might refer to as "upward"qualities. Along with love and joy, peace reflects the upward change in relationship as a result of the presence of God in our lives, via the Holy Spirit. 
     Everywhere we look we see dissension and discord. People amass for themselves possessions wealth, power, and relationships, but still reveal an inner turmoil that will not go away. Time and time again we hear stories of those who had everything and yet tragically ended their lives in despair. Whether we realize it or not, we are all desiring peace in our lives. However, you will never have real peace until you have come to accept Jesus as your LORD. Any peace that comes from outside a personal knowledge and connection with God through Jesus Christ is temporary at best. To put it another way, real peace cannot exist without God.

**Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible

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