Christ Integration Camp

Fruit of the Spirit: PEACE

Do:

• Hold up a picture of the peace sign. Ask: What does this mean? Allow them to answer and discuss. Continue holding up the pictures and lead it into a discussion about the world’s view of peace. The world’s view of peace includes an end to war or conflict, inner peace with yourself, and/or a state of complete relaxation (being at a beach or spa). All people long for peace in one way or another, whether it is just to experience a break from the worry of life or to end all wars. But the peace the world offers only lasts for a short while. War will never end on earth (until the peaceful reign of Christ) no matter how hard people try. A spa will never take all of the stress away forever. Meditation does not grant real peace.

Say:

• But Christians have God’s peace available to them, a peace that is greater than anything the world offers. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and as we abide in Christ, we can experience the perfect peace that comes only from God.
• The peace of God is something that is often beyond our comprehension (read Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.). Biblical peace is related to joy in that it does not depend on outside conditions or circumstances. The word “peace” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom.” Shalom refers to much more than just amnesty between people.
• In the Bible, shalom means is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.
• We now have peace with God through justification (Romans 5:1), and peace is a state of tranquility that comes from seeking after God. The Lord gives us peace (John 14:27) and the peace he gives to us helps to bring restoration and healing to broken relationships.
• Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, available to all believers as they abide in Christ. As believers, we have the fruit of peace available to us as we abide and trust in Christ. Children will know peace comes from God, is made possible through Christ, and is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. They will also know we are to pursue peace with everyone.
• Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Questions:

• What can we define about peace based on these verses?
  • It comes from God, it comes as a result of prayer, it is the opposite of anxiousness, and it goes beyond our understanding.
• What is the difference between worldly peace and the peace of God?
• What does the word Shalom mean?