The Gift of Peace: Understanding Shalom and Eirene

The Importance of Peace in the Bible

Did you know that the word "peace" is used in the Bible 429 times? That's a significant emphasis on peace throughout Scripture.

Peter quoted Psalms 34, stating:

"The One Who Desires Life, To Love And See Good Days, Must Keep His Tongue From Evil And His Lips From Speaking Deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it." - 1 Peter 3:10-11 NASB95

God wants us to fully experience His peace.

Exploring Shalom and Eirene

God has led me to consider two key Hebrew and Greek words regarding peace: Shalom and Eirene.

Rick Renner teaches that "peace," translated from the Greek word eirene, illustrates the ending of war, an absence of conflict, and the beginning of rebuilding and reconstruction. It signifies a time of prosperity where distractions fade away, establishing a sense of order and inner stability. This profound peace allows individuals to navigate life peacefully, even amid troubled circumstances or trauma.

Eirene correlates directly with Shalom in Hebrew. The term Shalom encompasses various meanings, including salvation and deliverance. It represents wholeness, completeness, and tranquility in the soul, independent of external pressures or circumstances. This kind of peace arises solely from a relationship with God.

• Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

• Jesus embodies peace on earth.

• Gideon built an altar and named it "The Lord is Peace."

  
  

Making Peace with God

To live a life of peace despite challenging circumstances, we must first make peace with God. Through Jesus Christ, we find reconciliation with God. Without this reconciliation, we cannot attain true peace.

The world promotes a false sense of peace. Often, this superficial peace arises from our attempts to control our circumstances. However, it is fleeting and often comes at a cost. Many seek peace in relationships, wealth, substances, fame, and other pursuits, but these solutions ultimately fade over time.

Jesus taught that where your heart is, that's where your treasure lies. He said:

"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil, for his mouth speaks from what fills his heart." - Luke 6:45

When our hearts are filled with the light of Christ, peace flows from us, even in difficult times. As Jesus stated:

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." - John 7:38

The Role of Jesus in Our Peace

The Apostle Paul reminds us to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." - Colossians 3:15 NASB95

Here, the term "rule" is translated from a Greek word meaning to control the activities of others based on sound judgment and decision. Allowing the peace of Christ to guide our hearts means giving Jesus the reins of our lives.

We need to cast our anxieties on Him, fully trusting that He cares for us. We must surrender control to Him.

Prayer as a Pathway to Peace

Philippians 4:6-7 offers clear guidance:

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God."

Rick Renner highlights the significance of the words used by the Apostle Paul.

• Prayer: This term (translated from proseuche) indicates an individual vowing to give something valuable to God in hopes of a favorable response. This reminds me of Romans 12:1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

  
  

• Supplication: This is the second most frequently used word for prayer in Scripture. It suggests earnest pleading and a heartfelt appeal for help.

  
  

• Thanksgiving: This aspect emphasizes approaching God with a grateful heart, which fosters a mindset of expectation that He will answer.

  
  

This mirrors James's instruction that when we pray, we should do so without doubt. Gratitude shifts us from anxiety to faith, embodying a prayerful attitude.

Living Peacefully in God's Presence

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." - Hebrews 10:19 NLT

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

These passages illustrate a covenant relationship in action. When we give our lives as living sacrifices, set apart for God, He responds with His peace.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 NIV

Your heart is the source of your emotions. From it flow the issues of life. The Guard is Jesus' Spirit, who protects the entrance of your heart, ensuring anxiety, worry, and fear do not overtake you.

Conclusion: Cultivating a Peaceful Mindset

In closing, Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on thoughts that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Following someone who embodies peace, as Paul instructed, invites the God of peace to be with you.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending peace to the earth and allowing me, as a believer, to partake of such peace. I choose to pursue Your peace, love, joy, and righteousness, even when challenges threaten my future and pull me outside Your perfect will. I rely on Your Holy Spirit for help in trusting Your work in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Full YouTube Video Here

Here is a recap of the sermon Dr. Graham preached on this.