The Fruit of the Spirit - Study 3: Peace

An Introduction

Peace has many different uses today. Peace can mean absence of war or an inner state of mind. It has been used as a greeting or a description of a quiet place. In the Old Testament, peace (shalom) meant completeness. It was an all-encompassing word that covered mental, physical, and emotional well-being as well as harmony between people and a blessing for the good of others.

Read John 14:26-27, Colossians 3:15, and Matthew 10:12-14

Exploring the Passage

1) Peace is used in some unfamiliar ways in these passages. How can you leave peace (John 14)? How can peace rest on homes or return to people (Matt. 10)?

NOTE: The Matthew passage can be very confusing. Try looking at different translations to get a full sense of “peace”.

2) How can peace rule? What do you think it means to “let peace rule in your heart”?

3) Reread the John passage. Why do you think those verses were put together? What does it tell you about peace?

4) Why do you think peace is considered a special gift of the Holy Spirit? Do you think shalom is available to those without the Spirit?

Charting the Course

1) Do you let peace rule in your heart? What would that look like in your life?

2) When you greet people, do you offer peace to those you meet?