Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Greek word, eirēnē : the notions of totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well being.
If peace is complete, lacking nothing. In order to have that kind of peace we need to understand three things about peace.
1. Peace is a command
Colossians 3:15 NLT
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Romans 12:18 NLT
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Mark 9:50 NLT
Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
2. Peace is a gift.
John 14:27 NLT
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 16:33 NLT
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
3. Peace is a co/op work
Hebrews 12:14 NLT
14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
Psalm 34:14 NLT
14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Romans 8:5-6 NLT
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Peace does require effort on our part as well…
Proverbs 12:20b
“….joy fills hearts that are planning peace”
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.