1. John 14:25-27, Ephesians 2: 13-22 (Gal. 5:22-3) Again Thanks to Philip D. Kennison ‘Life on the Vine’ - Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community

2.  Do we have ‘fragmentation in our lives?  God’s solution – Peace! (Shalom)  We usually mean negative – no conflict.  Bible much more positive, peace is wholeness, salvation. health, prosperity, and salvation.  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7  Shalom is state of well being, wholeness and harmony that affects all relationships.  Shalom/peace of God is a way of life.

3.  Have peace by doing right, what God desires.  Psalm 85: 8-10, “I will listen to what God the L ORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”  Another insight into peace from Jeremiah 29:11  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the L ORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Word translated ‘prosper’ is shalom!  Remember ‘fruit of the Spirit’ a gift from God!

4.  Shalom grounded in covenant love/promises.  Isaiah 54:10, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the L ORD, who has compassion on you. ”  Jesus knew his disciples would need Biblical ‘peace’ – ‘not as the world gives.’  He knew brokenness/fragmentation would come and his people need to make peace.  We’re all for shalom, why don’t we have it?  World divides up life into compartments…

5.  …compartmentalization, dividing, splitting…  Isaiah described how bad it can get (59:8)  What should we do?  1. Ask God for His Peace.  2. Be a peacemaker.  3. Care for others to have Shalom.  4. Don’t live differently in different places.  5. Practice peace – give up grudges, etc.  6. Know ‘shalom’ is about covenant, not ‘me’.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom 12:18)

6.  Peace comes from living in Christ!  Fruit of the Spirit is for us to share with all!  Live in Peace…  Share God’s Peace…  and become what God wants for you!  Grace and Peace to all!