On the heart of your Bishop - May 2013
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Peace
By Bishop James King
FROM THE BISHOP
JAMES R. KING, JR.
Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!
Some years ago I observed a man who, mature in age but young as a new believer in Jesus Christ, was in deep grief not only because he had lost his wife through physical death but because she died before he had. Many sought to console him but his response was a litany of questions from, “Why did she have to die before me?” and “Is she alright?” to “Where is she?” and “How am I supposed to live without her?”
Although this man was well educated, physically fit and had adequate financial income, he worried himself to death. The point I make is this: without faith in God you cannot have a peace that only God can give.
In the Bible Jesus says, “All this I have spoken while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27, NIV)
The Bible teaches us that peace is a gift from God. In fact, it is the third fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22. From this passage, there are two important lessons for our consideration and edification. The first is this: peace allows us to be in harmony within ourselves and the world regardless of our circumstance.
Have you ever played tug of war? One group holds on to one end of a rope while another holds on to the other. The two groups pull in opposite directions creating a tension in the rope. Peace overcomes the conflict within. There is no pulling in opposite directions. Peace gives us emotional space to rest with a deep conviction that everything is going to be alright. Peace allows one to be in the midst of a storm, in the center of trouble times, the target of false accusations and yet be able to sleep at night. Like an automobile going down the road with many parts moving in different directions, peace is a unifier because it allows all the parts to work together for good.
The second lesson is this: it takes faith to activate peace.
Jesus said in John 14 “the Advocate; the Holy Spirit” will teach us about the spiritual matters of life. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 that peace is one fruit of the Spirit. Here’s the point. When you put your faith in God, it allows you to believe in the promises of God. Faith then permits you to trust God regardless of your situation and not worry. Therefore, you will not only have peace within, you will also have peace with the world because you understand that humanity is just a baby in the arms of God. In the end, humanity will evolve into God’s plan for there to be peace on earth as there is in heaven. May the Holy Spirit nurture your faith and give you peace.
Until next time, remember – God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.
With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.
