You’ve probably read this promise many times found in John 14:27 (NLV):
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
In Hebrew the term Peace is Shalom, and has a rich, deep meaning:
- As a noun, Shalom means “to be in a state of wholeness,” that is, to be complete, perfect and whole.
- As a verb, Shalom means “to make whole or complete.”
Outside the Jewish perspective, “Peace” is defined as the absence of strife or war. Within the Jewish perspective, “Peace” is defined as the presence of wholeness. One sees absence, while the other sees presence.
Shalom means integrity, wholeness, to make whole. When our Savior uttered the peace promise, He was saying, “My wholeness, completeness I give you.”
What hope does this give us in the context of our homes and parenting?
It means God’s peace can be very real in our homes; His presence can be as tangible as the people living in it. It is impossible for us to be in any place of the universe without taking God’s presence with us. When we confessed Yeshua, Jesus, as Lord, we gave Him access and permission for His presence to dwell inside us through the person of the Holy Spirit. Anywhere we go, God is with us.
Awareness of something makes us more conscious of it.
In our homes and in our parenting we should make room for God to freely fill and move about with His Shalom (noun: be in a state of wholeness), and to Shalom our lives in any circumstance (verb: to make us whole or complete).
Being aware that His presence is with us everywhere we go, brings comfort and hope in any situation… In times of peace, in times of stress, in times of fear, and even in times of loss.
We love the NLT version of John 14:27: 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.
Imagine passing on the awareness of God’s Shalom as a gift to your children and grandchildren, and they to their offspring! How will your spiritual heritage help your children welcome God’s presence in their hearts, their homes, and their marriages?
It can only make life richer with God’s Shalom in their homes!
Shalom!
