Definition and Nature

Peace, as a temporal gift from God, is a state of tranquility and harmony bestowed upon individuals and communities. It is both an internal and external experience, characterized by the absence of conflict, anxiety, and turmoil. In the biblical context, peace is not merely the absence of war or strife but a profound sense of well-being and fulfillment that comes from a right relationship with God and others.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of peace is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with God's covenantal promises and blessings. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shalom" encompasses a holistic sense of peace, including prosperity, health, and completeness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" carries similar connotations.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, peace is frequently linked to obedience to God's commandments and the resulting blessings. Leviticus 26:6 states, "And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with no one to frighten you. I will remove dangerous animals from the land, and no sword of war will pass through your land." Here, peace is presented as a divine gift contingent upon Israel's faithfulness to God.

The Psalms often reflect a longing for peace and the assurance of God's provision. Psalm 29:11 declares, "The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace." This verse highlights peace as a blessing from God, intertwined with His strength and protection.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, peace is closely associated with the person and work of Jesus Christ. At His birth, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14). Jesus is identified as the Prince of Peace, whose mission includes reconciling humanity to God and establishing peace among individuals.

Jesus Himself promised peace to His followers, distinct from the peace offered by the world. In John 14:27 , He assures, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is a divine gift that transcends circumstances and provides comfort and courage.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting God's peace to believers. Galatians 5:22 lists peace as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outcome of a life led by the Spirit. The Spirit's presence in a believer's life fosters an inner peace that guards the heart and mind, as described in Philippians 4:7 : "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Practical Implications

The temporal gift of peace has practical implications for daily living. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's peace in their interactions with others. Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This call to peacemaking extends to resolving conflicts, promoting reconciliation, and living in harmony with others.

Furthermore, the peace of God serves as a stabilizing force in the midst of life's challenges. It provides believers with the assurance that God is in control, enabling them to face trials with confidence and hope. As Colossians 3:15 exhorts, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful."

Conclusion

The temporal gift of peace is a profound blessing from God, encompassing both personal tranquility and communal harmony. Rooted in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, this peace surpasses human understanding and equips believers to navigate the complexities of life with grace and assurance.Leviticus 26:6
And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 22:9
Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... warm; and the mind, mirthed with gifts, waxes hot ... forgets his Beloved nor bowing
to temporal liking will ... of joy comforts his wits to behold God; and everlasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... when they were no longer encompassed by temporal trials ... that we are to covet earnestly
the best gifts: for it ... who are all the adopted children of God our Saviour ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

The Means of Obtaining Peace Internal, is not the Delight of Sense ...
... into affection to most subtle Spiritual vain-glories and temporal ones, and ... it cleaves
to spiritual pleasures, staying even in the gifts of God, and in his ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii the means of.htm

For Temporal and Eternal Welfare.
... FOR TEMPORAL AND ETERNAL WELFARE. ... are mine when I have Thee, Thou void of gifts canst
never be ... Then what of good It pleaseth God To give, great peace bestoweth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/for temporal and eternal welfare.htm

The Imitation of Christ
... The Eighteenth Chapter: Temporal Sufferings Should Be Borne Patiently, After the
Example of ... The Twenty-Second Chapter: Remember the Innumerable Gifts of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/the imitation of christ/

How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to ...
... that some, by being proud of some gifts that they ... in his wrath appeased the wrath
of God (Numbers 25:9 ... to be afraid of disturbing their temporal peace, if they ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxii how those that.htm

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.
... of produce, and whatever else there is of bodily and temporal goods, good ... is drowned
in blindness, and abuses all the good things and gifts of God only for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/i believe in god the.htm

On the Feast of a Holy virgin
... No one can attain to the Love of God without humility; and that is a gift of God
above all temporal gifts. Humility brings true peace to the heart of man; for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the ...
... with him, for fear of pains eternal suffer pains temporal. ... to deny that this is the
gift of God, we are thus to understand that there be some gifts of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /23 but if moreover any.htm

Imitation of Christ
... CHAPTER XVIII That temporal miseries are to be borne ... we must rest in God above all
goods and gifts. CHAPTER XXII Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/

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