Peace as a Characteristic of Love
I went to bed at the regular time last night. After the busy weekend, I knew I was still tired and figured I would have no difficulty sleeping. If only that had been the case! I tossed and turned the entire night as my brain insisted on running down the list of things to do for the next day and rehearsing the things I did (and didn’t accomplish) that day. Every action, every word was carefully run through the microscope as my brain churned into overtime.
That brings me to today’s characteristic in the fruit of the spirit: peace. The word “peace” is defined as freedom from disturbance; tranquility; quietness; calmness; security; of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.” Peace is the exact opposite of what I felt last night as my thoughts tossed and turned me about like clothes in a dryer. As far as the last part of that definition is concerned, I didn't doubt my salvation, but the portion about fearing nothing and being content was sadly lacking. My mind was troubled and anxious, not so much over any one thing but many little things. And so peace and rest eluded me.
When I studied out the connection between the fruit of the Spirit and the love chapter, the concept of peace gave me pause. At first glance, I had trouble linking one of the attributes of love with peace. We could say that peace is not easily provoked, but temperance is a much better fit for that characteristic. Likewise, peace does not behave itself unseemly, but goodness is a better representation of that.
Then I came to the phrase, “hopeth all things.” That’s it! That’s how love exemplifies peace. Hope is quiet confidence or expectation. It’s so much more than a wish or desire. Hope is a firm belief—one that doesn’t waver no matter the circumstances. It is security, an anchor for our souls.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; ”
In that anchor—that hope—there is a tranquility, a calmness. There is contentment and a freedom from disturbance. This hope doesn’t focus on the problems of the present but the promise of the future. It offers peace and rest, and it all begins with love. A love for God that is so strong we cannot help but to trust Him. A love for others that dares to look beyond their current faults and failures to see what they are capable of. And even a love for ourselves that cares enough to say, “Don’t lose sleep over those things. They are temporary. Set your sights on the eternal, and rest in the light of the things to come.”
Love brings forth peace. And peace is hopeful, untroubled like a placid lake. Steadfast. Sure. Calm.
Do you know what? I just took my first deep breath this morning, and it felt so sweet. Peace is possible, and that’s the best news I’ve heard all day!
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ”
This scene from the movie, Kung Fu Panda, always come to my mind when I’m talking about peace. This is me, on a typical day, trying to calm my mind and find peace. “Inner peace. In-, in-, in-, inner peace.” Enjoy this short clip!
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmmrrfJKY7I&w=640&h=480]