“Strive for peace with everyone…”
Hebrews 12:14

Peace – does not merely mean the absence of troubling circumstances, but it is the profound well-being that comes from resting in God’s sovereignty and mercy.

A concept first expressed by the Hebrew term “Shalom”.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15

“Shalom means so much more than just the absence of war. It also means either ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’. Shalom is taken from the root word shalam, which means, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.” It testifies of completeness, fullness, or a type of wholeness that encourages you to give back — to generously re-pay something in some way.
In Israel today, when you greet someone or say goodbye, you say, Shalom. You are literally saying, “may you be full of well-being” or, “may health and prosperity be upon you.”
Quote from: Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries

I say, peace to you from our home to yours! May the Lord give you his peace that surpasses our understanding.

“…the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:17-19

Food for thought: One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our life is peace. For more information about this tranquil calming fruit, read: Galatians 5:22, Romans 5:1, Romans 15:13.

Fun facts: The International Day of Peace, also called World Peace Day, is always on September 21st. It began in 1982 with the hopes of temporary ceasefires during wars to allow for humanitarian aid without violence. The United Nations Peace Bell is rung in New York City to inaugurate the day.

Photo by: Kari Wiseman – Sea grass blues