Page 90 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

peace. But for those who have the Spirit of peace within us, the peace of Christ is possible, no matter
our circumstances (John 14:27). We can reject the chaos of the world and embrace God’s peace.

Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquility. We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Most fundamentally, shalom means
reconciliation with God. When a person or nation is reconciled with God, God gives him His peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Peace comes to us only when we are in a right relationship with Christ, and it comes to us as a gift from
Christ.

4. Patience “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me quickly!” We live in a world of instants – instant
coffee, instant food, instant wealth. We live in a fast-paced, want-it-now culture. But Christians have
everything we need to be patient because we have the Holy Spirit living in us longing to display His
character to those around us. Patient people put up with circumstances and other people, even when
30
severely tried. Patient people display endurance, longsuffering, and perseverance.

II Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he
is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Notice that this verse is connected to the idea of God’s patience when waiting for a person to be saved.
Patience is connected with sharing the Gospel. God calls us to be patient as we extend the offer of
salvation in Christ to others (2 Timothy 4:20).

5. Kindness and Goodness - Kindness and goodness are relatives of one another. One who is kind to
others in his actions is considered a good and positive trait. Often kindness is expressed to others who
need it. Some people desperately need a kind act. God demonstrated His kindness and goodness to us
in providing our salvation (Titus 3:4) and will continue to show kindness to us for all eternity.

Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness
toward us through Christ Jesus.

6. Faithfulness – When I think of faithfulness, I think of the verse in Matthew 25:21 where the master
replied to the faithful servant, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few
things; I will put you in charge of many things.” We know from Scripture that we will who are faithful
will reign with Jesus – possibly in the Millennial Kingdom. Evidently we will share the responsibly of
ruling over the earth and to the degree of our faithfulness now.

To be faithful means to be reliable or trustworthy. It means to be obedient to the master and in doing
all of what He has asked us to do in His absence. We can be faithful in sharing the Gospel with others.
We can be faithful in using our financial resources to build Christ Kingdom on earth. We can be faithful
in our service to others.

30 Ibid

89