Fruit of the Spirit - Peace

<p>Good morning, Five Minute Families. Thank you for joining us in this journey of discovering more about the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5 - Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This week, as we are progressing backwards through that list, we are talking today about peace. </p><p>I woke up the other morning stressed… stressed about important things I have left undone in my family. And, this state of undone made me feel I had let them down. Then, I had to realize that no matter what I have gotten wrong, God has a great plan for me and for all of my family members, even the ones I let down. Knowing that God has a plan, and He will use ALL things - done and undone - for His glory and my good, I felt the peace of His truth and of His strength wash over me. </p><p>Oxford Languages online dictionary defines peace as ‘freedom from disturbance; tranquility.’ This refers to mental calm and serenity as well. The King James Version of the Bible uses the word ‘peace’ 400 times while others translations use it 200-300 times along with many of its synonyms which make more sense for our modern English understanding - synonyms such as silence, quiet, rest, still, satisfy, ease, and fellowship. Biblically, Strong’s Concordance G1515 defines peace to mean “one, peace, quietness, rest” and the Strong’s definition we found the most interesting “set as one again.” </p><p>As I reflect back on the Fruit of the Spirit songs from my childhood that I mentioned a few devotionals ago, I thought about the “Peace” song. The verses refer to mom and dad and knowing that they are there for the child singing. The child feels safe. Peace brings us a sense of safety when we are set as one again. The family is together and working toward a greater purpose and goal. </p><p>Luke 2:14 … when Christ had been born, and the angel and multitude of heavenly host spoke to the shepherds saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Peac