“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, ISV)
Peace.
Peace is not the absence of turmoil. It is not without struggle or conflict. Peace, too, is an attitude we must cultivate on a daily—moment to moment—basis.
Among the definitions of peace provided by Merriam-Webster are: “a state of tranquility or quiet… freedom from civil disturbance… a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom… freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or… harmony in personal relations… a state or period of mutual concord between governments… a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity”. Central to these is a sense of Spiritual well-centeredness—that there is more than self.
Stuff is going to happen in life. It is inevitable. People are going to do things that we don’t like. We are going to do things that others don’t like. We won’t agree. Nevertheless, we make the decision to be peaceful. We choose our attitude and response to difficulty. We cultivate peace by our actions.
Peace is grown from love. It also inspires, affects, and is affected by the remaining “fruit”. The simple thought of “peace” as we enter a potentially troublesome interaction can make all the difference in the outcome. I know this. Do I do it? (I am sure the reader knows the answer.)
Carpe momento. Think peace.