When we read the New Testament looking to find Bible verses about peace, we find a specific greeting used sixteen times: “Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This Bible verse about peace from 1 Corinthians 1:3 is found in several other locations. Yet, there is more to “Grace and Peace” than a simple greeting.
In all instances “Grace” is written first. God’s Grace always precedes peace, because true peace begins only when we accept the unmerited favor of God. Understand Grace, and we know peace.
Grace leading to peace is amplified through Romans 5:1 (NIV):
Bible Verses about Peace: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is peace? David Jeremiah says it well in Sanctuary.
Because the Holy Spirit is resident in the life of every believer, it becomes possible for every believer to experience peace. For those who have accepted the grace of God, we must now ask, “What exactly is Peace?” A person may grow weary of constant noise, and say, “I just want a little peace and quiet.” We understand what they mean, but the absence of noise is not peace. It would be great if there were no military conflicts, but the absence of war is not peace either. We understand peace when we follow the Bible verses about Peace.
Peace is a product of God design.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV).
Peace, like creation is not an accident. It is not a condition invented by psychology. God designed it, understands it, and gives it to those he calls.
Peace comes from knowing Jesus and is not linked to external circumstances.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross — Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV).
True peace comes from a saving knowledge of Jesus. Peace was designed by God, and comes through the blood of Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV).
“Believing prayer ushers in God’s peace. Not a random, nebulous, earthly peace, but his peace. Imported from heaven. The same tranquility that marks the throne room, God offers to you.” – Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment Volume II
Peace is a vital part of our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22
Peace is listed in the top three characteristics of the fruit of the spirit. Without love, joy, and peace, there is little hope of accomplishing forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. All of those characteristics are predicated on the love, joy, and peace of God.
The Psalmist agrees: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” — Psalm 85:10 (NIV).
Peace is not ours to keep, but ours to share.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God— Matthew 5:9 (NIV).
The peace of God must be evident in us. Others need to see what we have and desire to have it. Then we must be peacemakers, able to share the love of God with a troubled world. Jesus follows with this statement: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” — Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV).
Peace is demonstrated to the world through a healthy Church.
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. — 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).
Church fights hurt the cause of Christ. To that end the Bible says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” — Romans 14:19 (NIV).
Peace is not determined by possessions, or circumstances.
The pursuit of peace is more important than the pursuit of possessions, money, or fame. Peace is not determined by where we live, or how much we own. Paul in Philippians 4 amplifies this statement, when he spoke of being wealthy, as well as being poor. He knew what it meant have it all, and to have nothing. In all of those things, he states:
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:9,12-13 (NIV).
Dr. David Jeremiah writes in Sanctuary, “All too often we lose our peace in the midst of tragedy and the circumstances of life. When we do that, we have nothing to offer a watching world. If a neighbor comes to us distraught over tragedy and finds us just as undone, what testimony have we given about the peace of Christ, which He promised? It is the Christians in a community who should be able to offer a word of encouragement and comfort during difficult times. But we can only do that if we possess the peace of Christ-that peace which He purchased for us at the price of His own blood.”
