Bible Talk 101: Peace

Bible Talk 101

From Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology


Peace:


The Meaning of Peace. In English, the word "peace" conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means "to be complete" or "to be sound." The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning—"to be complete or whole" or "to live well." The noun had many nuances, but can be grouped into four categories: (1) salom [שָׁלֵם] as wholeness of life or body (i.e., health); (2) salom [שָׁלֵם] as right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant (see "covenant of peace" inNum 25:12-13; Isa 54:10; Ezek 34:25-26) and, when related to Yahweh, the covenant was renewed or maintained with a "peace offering"; (3) salom [שָׁלֵם] as prosperity, success, or fulfillment (see Lev 26:3-9); and (4) salom [שָׁלֵם] as victory over one's enemies or absence of war. Salom [שָׁלֵם] was used in both greetings and farewells. It was meant to act as a blessing on the one to whom it was spoken: "May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory." As an adjective, it expressed completeness and safety. In the New Testament, the Greek word eirene [εἰρηνεύω] is the word most often translated by the word "peace." Although there is some overlap in their meanings, the Hebrew word salom[שָׁלֵם] is broader in its usage, and, in fact, has greatly influenced the New Testament's use of eirene [εἰρηνεύω].


Bonus Coverage: Lecrae - New Shalom

...He Knows

Silence can speak louder than words.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27. NIV 2011 Edition)

When I was a kid growing up, one of my most favorite things to do would be to lay on my mother's lap as she peacefully rubbed my back. This was one of the intimate, mother-to-son moments that we shared where neither of us had to say anything at all yet our hearts would talk to one another, letting each other know that we were both in a safe place. Now I can't remember if in these moments I would pray or not but I do remember times when my mother would softly ask "are you hungry?" "How did she know?" I'd often wonder, but I would calmly reply with a "yes." After our moment was over, she'd go downstairs and fix something for me while I eagerly yet peaceably awaited the food. Sure enough, to my delight, she would bring the food upstairs and set it up in front of me and allow me to eat as we sat and watched TV for the rest of the evening until bedtime.

...He Knows.

If we can be honest, sometimes in life we really don't know what to pray for. Sometimes the right thing to do feels like it's behind Door #1, #2, or #3 and we're left guessing which one to pick. Also, sometimes we wind up picking the wrong doors and find ourselves hurt in the process. But even in the midst of our uncertainty, God knows what's on our mind and He knows the best thing for us to do. The bible says that God intercedes on behalf of our moanings and groanings, sort of like how my mom was able to tell that I was hungry and I didn't even have to say a word. Not only does He know what is causing our discomfort and weakness, He knows the right things to cure our voiceless petitions.

How do we get to a place where this silent conversation can occur best? We should offer up our quiet time just like David, and allow God to lead us into his green pastures. This will allow for us to freely express what is on our hearts through prayer and conversation with God. If you get away from the grind and get away from the noise, it doesn't matter if we say anything at all. God knows, and will search our hearts for our petition. And who better to operate on our behalf than the one who writes out our destiny?

People NEED People

Note: The views expressed in this piece are those of the writer. There are a million opinions on this topic (and I'd like to hear yours) but don't be offended if our opinions don't align!

It's a quarter after one 

I'm all alone 

And I need you now 

- Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"

In God's massive and glorious ecosystem of life He created animals of all shapes and sizes. The common denominator between them all is that each animal looks to its own kind for social needs. You never hear about female independent lions or male elephants who choose not to wife up a female elephant because of the responsibility it entails. No, balance is made whole in God's ecosystem.

We humans? Not so much.

I've heard on several occasions by several different people that some people are just meant to be single. That I can agree with. But should that be a person's desire or should that be God's will revealed to them for their life?

Here's Paul the [single] Apostle on singleness:

" I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." (1 Corinthians 7: 7, NIV 2010 edition)

In life we meet and come into relationship with people who have gifts. While I don't believe in soul mates, I do believe that God can allow you to come in contact with someone with complimentary gifts. Someone who challenges you to be better (better = more like Christ) because what they bring to the relationship is something you may not have been built to either see, do, consider, or think about. These gifts, as Paul mentions, come from God and they are for a designed purpose. Where you are weak, they are strong and vice versa. Relationships should bring God glory and if you come across someone who "fits" with your gifting - and more importantly their gift fits you! - that is giving God glory at it's finest. What better way to use your God given gifts than in the ultimate ministry of marriage and relationships? Our flesh will fail us at times and question our reason for being and imperfections will seep through but...

No one is perfect.

No relationship is going to be without heartache or pain or disagreement (or even a few personality mismatches). Any Christian can tell you that even our personal relationship with Christ can be filled with those feelings and challenges. However God's love is bigger than all of those things. Relationships produce fruit, and that comes through a process. No one said the process would be painless (I bet any mother can tell you how painful a "process" can be).

What fruit is coming out of your relationship?

Undoubtedly, God had a calling on Paul's life. One that extended beyond a home life and one that would impact generations of Christians to come. Paul's life was special and God knew what He was doing. Imagine the pain and lack of fulfillment that his wife and children would feel. So should singleness be an option or a calling?

Why would God create a humanity that doesn't need/depend on/appreciate it's own humanity?

What are your thoughts?

Positive Daily Affirmation

Mark 10:15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.

I honestly watch this video at least every other day. It's a reminder that often times the first step to happiness and peace is speaking it into existence. So don't forget to affirm yourself and others today - dancing like a Disney pirate is optional lol!


Here are some of the benefits of positive thinking (courtesy of MayoClinic.com): 

The health benefits of positive thinking:

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Some scripture affirmations:

Mark 9:23..........If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

John 16:33.........In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Rom 8:18...........consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Rom 8:28..........And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2Tim 4:7............Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith.(paraphrased)

Phil 4:13...........I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1Jn 4:4.............(You) have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world. 

Phil 1:6............(Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...


So! Next time you're in the mirror, pull a "Jessica." When you start thinking about the things in life that you like, you'll see that you're life is pretty cool!