Fruit of the Spirit Monthly Scripture Focus: Peace
As part of our monthly character lessons, we are going through the fruits of the spirit one by one. This month’s character lesson focus is peace.
Follow along with us as you invite and encourage your teens to allow God’s spirit to develop their character. The content of this monthly study is geared for middle and high school students, but feel free to adapt if you wish for younger students. Included are a variety of suggestions to use throughout the month to maintain a focus on the source of all peace.
At the end of this article, you’ll find the complete list of monthly character lessons based on fruits of the spirit, and will be able to click directly through to any additional lessons you wish to access.
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Fruit of the Spirit Passage
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Peace in the Bible
Question: How many times does the word peace appear in the Bible?
Answer: 375 times in the ESV**
**statistics from logos.com. Each translation will have a slightly different count.
Big Picture: How the Bible Talks about Peace
1 // Peace is possible even during times of upheaval
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NLT)
2 // True peace is not possible without God
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)
3 // God places value on peacemaking
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NLT)
What Does the Bible Say about Peace?
Look at the following scriptures and ask these two questions.
Question #1: What do I learn about God and how He views peace from this scripture?
Question #2: Is there any instruction for me in this scripture about how I should live peacefully?
Scriptures about Peace
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 (NIV)
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 (NIV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Examples of Peace in Scripture
Look up one or more of the following passages to read a story displaying peace in some way. Ask yourself these two questions.
- How do I see peace in action here?
- What does God want to teach me about peace from this passage?
Passage #1
Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus calming the storm)
Jesus has the power to bring peace. This power doesn’t always calm the “storm” in our lives, but in every circumstance, we should ask ourselves, “who is this Jesus?” and remember His awesome power. Knowing who Jesus is and what He promises (eternal peace) should help us experience peace even in the midst of our storms.
Passage #2
1 Samuel 25 (David & Abigail)
Abigail steps in as a peacemaker to prevent conflict between and harm coming to others. She exemplifies the courage sometimes needed to speak up in defense of peace.
Passage #3
Matthew 28:1-8 (fiery furnace)
Being peaceful is not equated with weakness or lacking strength of character. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are strong-willed in their conviction about worshiping God only. God gave them peace about their future based on faith in God, not on the elimination of threat from men.
Examples in Scripture of a Heart Lacking in Peace
Now, look up one or more of the following passages and think about these questions.
- Describe the lack of peace in this story.
- What can we learn from the absence of peace we read about in these passages?
Luke 10:38-42 (Martha)
Martha is described as distracted by all she has to do, along with being worried and upset that it isn’t getting done in a timely manner. That is pretty much a prescription for lack of peace. Jesus’ response is not to take care of all the details, but to say that there is only one thing worth being concerned about—knowing Him.
It’s clear from other scripture that we are to plan and prepare for the future, to work hard, and to serve others the way Martha was doing. But the key to doing all these things without anxiety and worry is to make sure we aren’t placing our security or our hope in anything we’re doing. We need to cast our anxiety on Jesus and fix our hearts on participating in His mission.
Daniel 2 (Nebuchadnezzar)
Nebuchadnezzar has disturbing dreams and cannot sleep. He was so distraught and troubled over the dreams that he threatened to kill all the “wise men” who he believed should have been able to tell him the meaning of his dreams. The absence of peace in our lives can cause us to act in extreme ways and be disproportionately angry.
Mark 10:35-45 (James & John)
James and John ask Jesus to give them places of honor in His new kingdom. When the other disciples heard about this request, they were indignant. You can imagine the raised voices and hard feelings generated by this situation.
Attempts to raise ourselves up in the eyes of others and make ourselves look good will not generally result in peaceful relationships with others. Yet again, taking the focus off of Jesus and putting it on ourselves will always result in hearts that lack peace.
Reflection Questions
Now that you’ve read several Bible verses about peace, seen examples of peace in action and examples of being without peace, reflect on the following two questions.
- Would others describe me as a peaceful person?
- How can I express this fruit of the spirit—peace—in a practical way in my life this month?
Video Content Related to Peace
Fruit of the Spirit: Peace (YouTube – 412teens.org)
Peace/Shalom (Bible Project)
Facing Anxiety (RightNow Media – 4-part video series from Jonathan Pokluda)
Music Related to the Peace of the Lord
Add some of these to your regular music playlist this month. Listen while you study, clean your room, or take a walk.
It Is Well with My Soul (YouTube – Reawaken Hymns)
Wonderful Peace (YouTube – Don Moen)
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me (YouTube – City Alight)
Peace (YouTube – Danny Gokey)
Psalm 23 (YouTube – Psalms Project)
If you choose to study peace in December, there are obviously a number of Christmas hymns and songs with the theme of peace!
Prayer Related to Peace
Your relationship with God is deepened by not only listening to His word, but communicating back to Him through prayer.
Following are prayers you can personalize and pray from your heart. Your words don’t have to be fancy. Simply thank God for His provision and ask Him to give you His unshakeable peace.
Father God, I ask that you would give me an unquenchable desire to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace. Show me today how I can keep my mind on your righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in order to display those qualities to those around me and therefore bring glory to you. Give me a willingness to allow others to hold me accountable, encourage me, and teach me as we seek to walk in your light together.
(based on 2 Timothy 2:22)
Jesus, thank you for your example as a peacemaker. I ask for peace today, in each moment that provokes anxiety or chaotic thinking in me. I recognize your ability to provide a deep peace in every circumstance I encounter because you are with me.
(based on 2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Lord, you know my natural inclination is to lift myself up even at the expense of others. Give me the desire and ability to live in peace with those around me, including those I interact with online. Help me act in a manner that stands out as holy—different in a way that points others to your peace and holiness.
(based on Hebrews 12:14)
Key Bible Verses about Peace
Choose one verse to memorize this month, either from the selections listed, or find another scripture that speaks to the attribute of peace. Make sure it is a verse you have not already memorized!
1 Chronicles 16:27
Psalm 5:11
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 19:8
Psalm 47:1
Luke 2:10
John 15:11
Romans 15:13
Philippians 4:4-7
Hebrews 12:2
Additional Reading on the Topic of Peace
Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons
Finding Peace by Charles Stanley
Galatians 5:22-23
Read through the passage several times this month to help you commit it to memory. Just reading the verse repeatedly as you go through studying a different fruit of the spirit each month will help you to “hide God’s word in your heart.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Monthly Fruit of the Spirit Word Study
Moving through the fruit of the spirit in order they are listed in the passage, this is the progression throughout the school year. However, you could certainly choose to rearrange the topics if you chose to do so.
For example, you could explore the character trait of being loving in February to tie in with Valentine’s Day or study joy in December to correspond to Christmas activities. Each word stands alone and the resources do not build on one another, so you have freedom to “drag and drop” into whichever time period you wish.
Monthly Fruit of the Spirit Study for Students
This isn’t a typical Bible study in the sense of having daily or weekly lessons. Instead, it’s intended to be used as a supplemental study that’s low-key and flexible.
The monthly focus on one specific fruit of the spirit gives plenty of opportunity for discussion, scripture study, and reflection.
Even if your kids are doing a regular Bible study (which I hope they are), you can add in a few scriptures, a video, have them listen to a piece of music or read a poem each month and consider whether they are exhibiting that fruit of the spirit.
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Fruit of the Spirit Study: Peace (for Middle and High School Students)
