Origin: God is the origin of all peace. Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

  • Peace is an attribute of the Kingdom of God:  “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” Romans 14:17
  • Peace is a by-product of living by the Holy Spirit: “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” Romans 8:6
  • Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” Galatians 5:22
  • Jesus Christ brought peace to those the Lord favors: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Characteristics:

  • Peace can be given or conferred from one person to another: Jesus said, ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  The disciples also conferred peace on people in their letters in Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 1:3 and 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
  • Peace is an inner condition: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

How to gain peace:

  • Focus and trust in God: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:
  • Turn from evil, seek peace and pursue peace: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
  • Put on meekness: “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” Psalm 37:11
  • Accept God’s discipline: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
  • Love God’s law: “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
  • Pray in all situations: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7
  • Be at peace with others: “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50 (also Romans 14:19, Colossians 3:15)