The Bible presents peace as a profound and enduring gift, distinct from joy or happiness. While joy and happiness are emotional responses often tied to circumstances, peace is an unchanging state of the heart that believers experience through their relationship with God. This peace, rooted in the character and promises of God, is a defining mark of born-again believers and is embodied perfectly in Jesus Christ, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). In this study we will explore the nature of biblical peace, its difference from joy, and how it is manifested in the lives of those who follow Christ.
Peace vs. Joy and Happiness: Understanding the Difference
To fully appreciate the gift of peace, it’s important to distinguish it from joy and happiness:
- Joy: Joy is an emotional response to God’s blessings, presence, or specific circumstances. It is mentioned throughout Scripture as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While joy is deep and spiritual, it can be influenced by momentary situations.
- Happiness: Happiness is often associated with external circumstances and can be fleeting. It’s a surface-level response that comes and goes with life’s events.
- Peace: Peace, on the other hand, is a settled state of the heart and mind, transcending circumstances. It is not dependent on external factors but rooted in God’s character and promises. This peace remains steadfast even in times of trial.
Jesus Himself distinguished between the temporary peace the world offers and the peace He provides. In John 14:27, He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This peace is not subject to the fluctuations of life; it is a divine assurance that stabilizes the believer.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace
The title “Prince of Peace” is one of the most powerful names given to Jesus in the Bible. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This declaration reveals that peace is an intrinsic part of who Jesus is. He is not merely a bringer of peace; He embodies peace itself.
When Jesus came into the world, He brought peace between God and man. Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is not just an absence of conflict but the restoration of relationship between God and humanity, broken by sin. By His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus secured peace for those who believe in Him.
The Nature of Biblical Peace
Biblical peace is multi-faceted and deep. It encompasses the following aspects:
- Peace with God: This is the foundational peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:20 explains, “And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” This peace is the basis for all other peace in a believer’s life.
- Peace of God: This is the internal tranquility that believers experience, which surpasses human understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 describes this peace: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace acts as a guard, protecting the believer from anxiety and fear, even in difficult circumstances.
- Peace with Others: As recipients of God’s peace, believers are called to live in peace with others. Romans 12:18 urges, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This outward expression of peace is evidence of the transformative power of God’s peace within.
Peace That Does Not Fade
Unlike joy or happiness, which can be affected by changing circumstances, the peace of God is enduring and unshakeable. Jesus illustrated this enduring peace in John 16:33 when He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus did not promise a life free of challenges, but He promised a peace that remains constant despite them.
This peace is part of the believer’s new nature. When someone becomes born again, the Holy Spirit indwells them and brings the fruit of peace (Galatians 5:22). This peace is not something believers muster on their own; it is a divine gift that flows from their relationship with Christ.
How to Cultivate and Maintain Peace
While peace is a gift, believers are also called to actively pursue and maintain it. Here are ways to cultivate peace:
- Trust in God’s Promises: Peace comes from trusting that God is in control and His promises are true. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Trusting God’s sovereignty brings calm in the midst of life’s storms.
- Prayer and Supplication: As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, bringing our anxieties to God in prayer results in His peace guarding our hearts and minds. Regular communion with God helps maintain a state of peace, regardless of external pressures.
- Focus on God’s Word: Psalm 119:165 states, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Meditating on Scripture helps align our minds with God’s truth, fostering peace that resists the chaos of the world.
- Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to “walk in the Spirit,” which involves yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and letting Him cultivate peace in our hearts. This results in a peace that withstands trials and leads to righteous living.
The Peace of Jesus in Action
The life of Jesus exemplifies peace in action. When He calmed the storm in Mark 4:39, He demonstrated His authority over nature and fear, saying, “Peace, be still!” This act symbolized the power of His peace to bring calm in the most turbulent situations. For born-again believers, this is a reminder that the peace Jesus offers is not theoretical—it is powerful and active.
Peace as Our Inheritance
Peace is not just a temporary feeling or an occasional experience; it is an inheritance for all who are in Christ. Jesus’ death and resurrection secured this peace, and the Holy Spirit continues to apply it in the lives of believers. Romans 14:17 emphasizes, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The peace of God is a core aspect of what it means to be a part of His kingdom.
My Final Thoughts
For born-again believers, peace is more than an absence of conflict; it is a profound state of being rooted in the person and promises of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. While joy and happiness can come and go, the peace of God remains steadfast, guarding the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him. This peace transcends understanding, surpasses circumstances, and stands as a testament to the believer’s relationship with God.
As we grow in our faith and deepen our reliance on Christ, we experience more of this peace, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
