Other spiritual disciplines such as connection, compassion, justice, and oneness serve as foundations for peace. All spiritual people strive for it. Peace is an interior state of serenity and well-being. It's also an outward effort aimed at promoting nonviolence, conflict resolution, and global collaboration. The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” comes from the root “whole,” implying a dual meaning: peace within oneself and peace between people.
Before You Continue...
Do you know what is your soul number? Take this quick quiz to find out! Get a personalized numerology report, and discover how you can unlock your fullest spiritual potential. Start the quiz now!
Refusing to participate in violence, whether directly or indirectly, is a way to practice peace. No matter how furious the people around you become, try to maintain your composure. When confronted with a quarrel, maintain a calm demeanor. As a first step toward disarming the world, disarm yourself down your guard.
Why This Practice May Be For You
The inner is a reflection of the outside. Anger, aggressiveness, and discord disrupt the world's equilibrium, and they disrupt our inner serenity as well. On both levels, you must deal with them. Violent encounters, in contrast to peaceful encounters, inevitably illustrate the value of this discipline.
Worried, unhappy, or “crazed” feelings might also motivate you to make peace. These phases usually indicate that your emotions have gotten the best of you, and you need to practice restoring your equanimity. The sensation of serenity comes from being even-tempered. And, although being angry depletes your energy, inner calm boosts your stamina, allowing you to continue working to make the world a better place. This time, the inner is on the side of the outer.
Daily Cue, Reminder, Vow, Blessing
- It's a cue for me to be a mediator when I hear voices raised in a harsh and aggressive tone.
- I am reminded of the necessity of working for peace in our time when I see a map or a globe.
- When I'm upset, I make a commitment not to add to the world's total violence.
What is the meaning of spiritual peace?
Knowing that the Lord of the Universe is by your side and resting in that knowledge brings peace.
It's not just knowing what to do, but also doing it. Peace is sitting in comfort and knowing that no matter what happens, God will always be there for you. Physically, peace is impossible to achieve because the globe is almost always a rocky environment.
When the scripture from Galatians indicates that the fruit of the spirit is peace, it means that we can sit in peace when we have the spirit in us and among us. We can be at ease knowing that the Holy Spirit is among us and that God's peace is within us.
“You will be carried forth in joy and serenity; the mountains and hills will sing before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) Isaiah 55:12 Isaiah 55:12 Isaiah 55
What a magnificent image this Isaiah passage paints for us. We are led in peace when we go out in joy; if we hang on to joy, peace can lead us in the right direction.
Consider the instances when you've been nervous, frustrated, or in a state of disarray. The globe may appear to be spinning at 100 miles per hour, yet you just need to sit and be motionless for a moment. The Holy Spirit within us is the source of the tremendous calm that can console you during this time.
Grand Canyon University is a Phoenix-based private Christian university. Visit our website to learn more about our Christian philosophy.
What is spiritual peace in the Bible?
The peace of God is not the same as the world's tranquility. Peace in the Bible entails more than the absence of strife; it also entails taking steps to repair a broken situation. It's more than just a feeling of inner peace; it's a sense of totality and completion.
Biblical peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can achieve on our own. God is the source of peace, and one of His names is Yahweh Shalom, which means the LORD Is Peace (Judges 6:24). (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He provides us peace in three ways.
What does spiritual peace feel like?
The truth is that we are always at ease within ourselves. It is the essence of our genuine being. Our busy thoughts are actually resting in a deep level of serenity, but we forget about it because we are continuously looking for it outside of ourselves. Our senses and minds draw us in one direction and then the other throughout the day. Only when we recognize that we are carrying a gem of deep serenity around with us can we keep returning to it in our everyday practice.
Yoga and meditation can assist us in returning to that peaceful state. Our practices bring us within and reconnect us with ourselves and our genuine nature. We feel and remember what we do when we practice. It's like when the good witch in The Wizard of Oz tells Dorothy that she's always had the power to return home. We, too, have the ability to find tranquility in our natural surroundings. It only takes a little practice to recall where we are and how to get back home.
Everything can happen around us when we are at peace, and our happiness is no longer dependent on external circumstances. We can stop looking for serenity and pleasure outside of ourselves and instead enjoy what is going on around us from a different perspective. The external world cannot provide such level of inner serenity. It is not attained by the acquisition of property, positions, or even people. It's always been inside of us, ready to be rediscovered. It usually manifests itself in ways that aren't easily quantifiable. As a result, we must first comprehend before we can know what to seek for. Peace spreads from inside and manifests in our daily lives when we are at peace.
How do we determine if our methods are genuinely effective? How can we tell if we're closer to that peaceful place?
- A lack of interest in assessing or analyzing other people's actions.
- A proclivity to think and act on the spur of the moment rather than based on past anxieties.
What God says about peace?
“I leave you with peace; I give you my peace. I do not give to you like the world does. Don't let your hearts be worried, and don't be terrified.” “As a result, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, because we have been justified by faith.”
Is there a spirit of peace?
“The Spirit creates love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control,” says Galatians 5:22-23. You may have heard of the fruit of the Spirit and been curious about what it is and how it connects to our Christian beliefs.
Each fruit will be examined and related to our daily life in this series. The fruit of the Spirit does not ripen in our life overnight, just as physical fruit does. All of the features of our spiritual fruits will expand as we advance in our faith.
The Spirit's third fruit is peace. The word “peace” appears in the Bible nearly 429 times, which explains why the phrase “Peace be with you” is so important in the religion community.
Peace is one of the most powerful human impulses, whether it be peace between nations, peace between neighbors, or even peace within ourselves. One of the top three characteristics of the fruit of the spirit is peace. The remainder of the fruits are impossible to get without love, pleasure, and serenity. As Christians, God has also asked us to be peacemakers.
Over the last few months, we've seen record levels of worldwide concern. People are worried about their finances, their children, their jobs, their relationships, their health, and so on. In these conditions, finding tranquility is tough.
“Be worried for nothing, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, with thankfulness, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7.
God's absolute tranquility is a wonderful gift that is difficult to comprehend. When everything around them is falling apart, how can people find peace of mind? Even in less-than-peaceful settings, the fruit of the Spirit of peace offers inner peace and contentment.
Take a time to sit and be still if you're experiencing anxiousness. The Holy Spirit within us is the source of the serenity that can console you at this difficult time. Peace does not imply that there will be no conflict, stress, or difficult times. Knowing that our God is in charge brings us peace.
Where does peace come from?
Peace. Shalom. As-Salaam-Alaikum. Peace is a state that we all wish for ourselves, our loved ones, and the globe, in any language. Peace, on the other hand, has varied meanings for different individuals and cultures. With the holiday season approaching, faculty members from a variety of fields at Columbian College were asked to express what peace meant to them. This is how they reacted.
“Peace is synonymous with tranquillity. Peace is not being persecuted because of one's country, immigration status, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, religious views (or lack thereof), or sexual orientation. The security of knowing you have a roof over your head, food to eat, and loving family and friends also contributes to peace. Many people are persecuted and unable to rely on the security of shelter, food, and a supporting social environment. I'm hoping that we can remember them this season.”
“Making genuine connections with coworkers from many cultures is an important part of maintaining peace. I was born and raised in Israel. My Islamic art partners are from Belgium and Syria, respectively. We set aside our countries and converse one-on-one, one human being to another, forgetting about the horrible news coming from our various locations. Our philosophical debates about Mughal horticulture in Kashmir and hints of modernism in Syrian architecture are a lot of fun. Our friendship provides me with immense comfort and encourages me to be optimistic about the future.”
“Simple things that impact our spirit, our soul, can bring us peace. When I wrap my son in my arms, I feel at ease. Shared laughing with a friend, coworker, or loved one brings peace. When we find a solution to a student's dilemma, we find peace in their thankful smile. “Peace can be found in a connection formed through the creation of art with a customer.”
“The term ‘peace' in Old Aramaic (the language of ancient Syria) is'shalam.' The word is'shalom' in Old Hebrew (the ancient Israelite language). The term is'salam' in Old South Arabic (the old Arabian language). These ancient Semitic words are frequently translated into English as ‘peace,' but their true meaning is considerably deeper and broader. After all, these words meant not only the absence of conflict back thenand nowbut also good health, serenity, happiness, harmony, and safety. May we all do our lot to bring about ‘peace,' in every sense of these magnificent Semitic words, throughout this season, and indeed throughout this year and every year.”
Associate Professor of Northwest Semitic Languages and Literatures Christopher A. Rollston
“Peace entails living a selfless life, treating people with respect, and sharing what we have with those who have been deprived. It entails being fearless in the woods but also respecting the environment. It entails living as little as possible in terms of worldly possessions while living as generously as possible in terms of good will.”
“Peace is an omnipotent knowing of the mundane and esoteric, dissecting the inner workings of structure, function, and theory, and integrating each facet, factor, and factoid into a deeper comprehension of, and for, the larger good.”
“With the Washington National Opera, I just performed two roles in the opera Appomattox. From the end of the Civil War to Dr. King and the Voting Rights Act, the opera covered a century of race in America. The libretto addressed the history of hatred and injustice that still exists in our country's race relations. For everyone involved, every rehearsal and performance provided an opportunity to address these concerns. Congressman John Lewis (who was being portrayed on stage) was present at the last performance. The privilege of meeting him serves as a reminder to continue working for peace and justice, as he did that day on the Selma bridge and ever since.”
“Many people associate the words “peace” and “conflict” as antagonistic; peace, on the other hand, conjures up thoughts of serenity and tranquility. However, strife can be fueled by a desire for peace, such as the political struggles we've seen on college campuses. In this scenario, peace does not have to be peaceful and serene. Instead, it is a daring challenge to rethink how we live together in ways that honor each other's dignity while also acknowledging and redressing the violence that has markedand continues to markthe everyday. Peace, then, is a continual invitation to conceive an other way of life.”
Jennifer C. Nash, American Studies & Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Assistant Professor
“In December, we reflect on world peace. However, we will not have peace until more important needs are satisfied. Human inequalities and insufficiencies exist, not just in terms of wealth, but also in terms of fundamental survival necessities, safety, and opportunity. Let us swear that, while we strive for peace in our own lives, we will also strive for human dignity, justice, freedom, and welfare for all people who share this planet.”
“Finding a space where I can connect with the world without fear is peace. This usually entails being in touch with something motivating and, in many cases, visually appealing. It could be a piece of art, a historic structure, or a trail through the woods. It's sometimes about being alone, and other times it's about being at ease among a throng. It's the pleasure of strolling my dogs in a sky-opening field. Or it's the sensation of being lost in the process of creating something new.”
“Peace, like so many other necessities of life, is difficult to appreciate unless it is threatened. We rarely perceive serenity as a positive state or circumstance, with the exception of occasional times of insight. Peace is often what we don't worry about in our busy and overstretched (but also privileged) lives so we can worry about grant applications, carpools, and other such things. Events like the Paris massacre highlight the shakiness of what we mistakenly believe to be the natural order of things, reminding us how easily our tranquility can be disrupted.”
“Heiwa'peace'can be used as an adjective in Japanese, although sensoo'war'is a noun. The function of nouns in linguistics is to refer to actual, definite entities. As a result, the unique difference between the two phrases reflects the underlying notion among Japanese speakers that ‘war' should consist of chronologically and geographically constrained events, whereas ‘peace' should not. In reality, such a perspective is shared by the entire human race, not just one language group. I hope that this fundamental human assumption will continue to be a universal cognitive trait of humanity, supported by world fact.”
Why is peace important?
Peace is both a non-suffering state and a joyous celebration of life. Many spiritual masters have taught us that we can choose to live in peace within our own hearts, that we can choose to live in appreciation and love rather than suffering. Not only that, but we're discovering that finding and claiming peace within ourselves is critical to building a peaceful world. Because everything in the universe is interconnected, our fear, hatred, and rage reduce the planet's peace, whilst our love, joy, and thankfulness improve it.
What is the significance of peace? Without it, our species' destructive inclinations will continue to push us closer to disaster. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is only one example. But, in our actual essence, we humans are capable of the most magnificent and inspiring behaviors. We have the ability to build a peaceful environment and, as I like to call it, “become what we want to be.” “The nonviolent human is known as “Homo Ahimsa.”
Is peace, however, solely vital to humans? Can we eliminate wars and human suffering without also ending the everyday suffering of billions of animals killed by humans for food, skins, pointless experiments, entertainment, and other forms of dominance? If we are to create a nonviolent world, we must put an end to these violent and barbaric acts. As Albert Schweitzer famously put it, “Man will not find serenity until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living beings.” We are intertwined with everything around us, not just each other. Animals and the natural environment can teach us a lot about calm, silence, being present, and appreciating life. We have the potential to create a new, beautiful, and nonviolent world for everyone who lives here. May there be peace in our hearts and in our world for all living things.
Peace builds, strengthens and restores
Senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, The Rev. Kent Winters-Hazelton:
Every pounding heart yearns for peace. Every nation's hope, every politician's vow, every religious tradition's pulse, and every prayer's purpose is peace. Peace is the audacious, courageous, and last reaction to the assumption that violence is the only feasible solution to the world's crises. Peace creates, strengthens, and repairs while conflict destroys and pulls apart. Peace is also personal, because each of us yearns for stability and tranquillity in the midst of the challenges, anxiety, and confusion that plague our lives.
Peace within our faith communities refers to a good relationship with the Holy, our neighbors, and all of creation. The Hebrew Bible's term for peace is “shalom.” The concept of shalom starts as God creates order from chaos, and it continues when God provides order to the confusion of our life. Every story of reconciliation contains shalom: reconciliation with the Holy One, reconciliation with a brother or sister, reconciliation with an adversary. The promise of forgiveness, community, and reunion with those with whom we share the world is nurtured by peace.
Deng Ming Dao, a Taoist author, writes: “The tranquillity of one individual is modest.” The serenity that many individuals may achieve when they come together is enormous. When we believe we are disconnected from our community and from nature, we are more likely to engage in violence and strife. Peace on a big scale is only possible when we comprehend our place in a larger whole.