Fruit of the Spirit: Joy & Peace

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Joy
Philippians 4:4 tells us “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!” We don’t rejoice in the fact that we face struggles, but rejoice in the God’s truth in the midst of troubles.

Christian joy goes deeper than happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is a deep sense of contentment and gladness that comes from a relationship with God. True joy is a result of knowing God’s love and trusting in His promises.

We all know that person, the one who shines with the joy of Jesus. Mary is one of those people. We met about 15 years ago while serving on a Walk to Emmaus team. Mary celebrates blessings, big and small, and is thankful for God’s constant presence in her life, even when life seems uncertain. She has a positive outlook and takes time to encourage others. Her joy is contagious, drawing others to Jesus and giving them hope.

Peace
Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict. It is the inner calm and assurance that comes from trusting in God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds.

In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul writes “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”

If we can give our worries to God through prayer and trust in his faithfulness, we will feel His peace.

Choose to be a peacemaker in your relationships. Avoid escalating tense situations by offering calm, understanding responses. Seek reconciliation where possible. When we choose peace, we reflect God’s love which could create a ripple effect for those around us.

Please join me in this well-known prayer:

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Sue Wallace