“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
What do you think of when you hear the word peace? What picture does it bring to mind?
When I think of a peaceful home, I see my family laughing and having fun together. There is no nagging, fussing or whining. The house is picked up and orderly. The laundry is done and the kitchen is clean.
Reality often looks nothing like the above picture. 
So how can we cultivate peace in our homes?
1. True peace is found in Jesus Christ. If we want our homes to be havens of peace, we need to be sincerely seeking God in our personal Bible times. It is easy to push time in His Word aside for something that is urgent, but not necessarily important. We need to make our Bible study a priority, because He is the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
2. Follow God’s laws. God tells us how to live and interact with others. Follow His plan! When we don’t know how to handle a situation, turn to God’s Word first and foremost. How does He want you to deal with the situations that daily arise? We should seek to make our homes a living testimony of God’s character. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165
3. Guard our minds. It is so easy to let our minds run away with worry. It could be worry over health, jobs, finances, or our children. It can be big or small. Each day presents new temptations to be carried away into the land of “what ifs”. We need to keep our minds focused on Christ. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
4. Choose peace…even when no one notices. It is easy to be peaceful when the people around use are being peaceful as well. After all, why get grouchy if someone is being a blessing to you? But God requires to choose peace, even in the midst of trying situation…like sleepless nights, sick children, constant interruptions and a pile of laundry. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 (Read verses 9-20 for some practical ways to choose peace with those around you.)
5. Acknowledge that peace doesn’t just happen. If we want our homes to be havens of peace, we need to make deliberate and intentional decisions that promote peace. If the children are bickering, we need to help them resolve the issue and restore peace. If we’re feeling irritated at our husbands, we need to choose to let go of our hurt and only think on what is good and pure. (Philippians 4:8) When something disrupts the peace of our homes, we need to actively seek to restore it. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 (Also Colossians 3:15)
What can you do today, right now, to promote peace in your home? Perhaps you should stop and read the Bible…light a candle…turn on some music…or play with your children.
This post is linked to Deep Roots at Home and Our Simple Country Life.
Very good, doable steps. I often find that I’m the reason for lack of peace in our house. I teach my daughter to voice her displeasure loudly because I talk the same way. Very good food for thought.