The flesh looks out for the self, while the Spirit looks out for others.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-25
For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
“This type of peace means wholeness. It’s the idea of God bringing about restoration to the world. It’s his redemptive process that starts in the Old Testament and threads through Jesus into our future hope.” – Alex McGraw
Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:17-18
눈치 (nuunchi) – “Emotional intelligence”
In a growing secular age, the Church is called to actively meet hostility with peace.
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-18
So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
Romans 6:19
Jesus identifies with our struggles in the crucifixion…and we have a future hope of shalom in the new heaven and new life. But until then: we are to be microcosms of the presence of God giving tastes of the heaven to come as He works out this redemptive plan. – Alex McGraw
When you think of, “peace,” what comes to mind? Name some illustrations or examples that pop up (they can be of historical moments, personal moments, etc.).
As you reflect on this current season of life, does “peaceful” define it well? If so, share with your group. If not, feel free to share with your group as to why peace doesn’t seem to define this season.
What are some divisive issues in culture that seem to be breaking up the Church/Christ followers? How can you and we (Riverview) aim to bring peace in such a divided time?
How did Christ personally bring peace between you and God?
