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We could all use a little peace.
By Isabella Pacinelli — Written on Aug 18, 2020
Peace has many spiritual meanings stemming from religious and historical beliefs.
Peace means to be free from war and civil unrest.
In today’s society, peace is referred to as the absence of internal or external strife.
Some may also hope for peace within themselves, wanting self-contentment and happiness.
But what exactly is the spiritual meaning of peace?
The biblical significance of peace means “to be complete” or “to be sound.”
It is much more involved with inner satisfaction and healthy growth.
Christian beliefs say that peace can only be found through God.
Numbers 6:26 claims, “The Lord lifts up His countenance upon you, and gives you peace.”
Through God’s mercy and grace, peace is bestowed upon those who pray to him.
Simply put, the biblical association of peace can only be found when you relinquish control and hand matters over to God.
Psalm 55:18 says, “He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me.”
Peace is symbolized by wholeness.
If you’ve ever heard the religious expression of “peace be with you,” this acts as a blessing to “live well.”
It is believed that without God’s granting of peace, there would be no harmony.
Jeremiah 29:11 explains, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
For many, feelings of peace make it easier to find comfort in God’s guidance.
It’s a symbol of sincere devotion to God and tranquility among the troubles in life.
Those who consider themselves to be more spiritual than religious have a similar outlook on the importance of peace.
Spiritualists define peace as an inner state of well-being and calm.
Once you achieve inner peace, you are more equipped to let it flow into the outer world.
That said, peace becomes cooperation among individuals, nonviolence, and the ability to resolve conflict effectively.
So, for spiritualists peace is something that comes upon you based on your own volition.
It’s not necessarily a gift that is granted to you.
That said, peace in spiritual belief is not so much about who you’re receiving it from but rather how you’re making good with it.
Peace becomes a practice — and you choose how to best define it in your own life.
The spiritual meaning of peace deals with the interconnectedness of our inner thoughts and outer actions.
If everyone were to find peace, we wouldn’t act out of aggression, power, or hostility.
Instead, people would be more inclined to listen, compromise, and restore serenity.
Dove as a symbol of peace
Probably one of the most well-known symbols of peace is that of a dove.
This white bird seems to be a beacon of light and hope for those who equate it with the coming of peace.
In ancient times, Greek mythologists believed the dove to be a symbol of love and the renewal of life.
Likewise, ancient Japan illustrated a dove carrying a sword to mean the end of war.
Christianity has also had its fair share of dove symbolism.
For instance, the act of baptism was always partnered with a dove.
This goes along with the belief that only God can give us peace because only God can take away original sin.
Olive branch as a symbol of peace
Also stemming from the Bible, Noah sent a dove with an olive leaf to show that the flood had ended and life returned to Earth.
The symbol of peace as an olive branch dates back to 5th Century BC Greece.
An olive branch was believed to be an attribute of the Greek goddess of peace, Eirene.
Representing plenty and containing the ability to drive away evil spirits, olive branches were a symbol of being connected through peace.
There are some phrases that many people use to stress the energy of peace.
Peace of mind, for example, means that you feel safe and protected.
Essentially, you are free from worry and have peace within your mind that things will be okay.
If you are free from inner demons or ill feelings, you are likely to have peace of the spirit.
This symbolizes your acceptance of all things and points to being mentally and emotionally sound.
Similarly, peace of the heart means that you are able to love fully and do not suffer from heartache.
There is no hatred or anger in your heart.
Typically when someone dies, the appropriate well-wishes for the deceased are to rest in peace.
And this seems to act as a culmination of all the other phrases.
Since no one is certain of what life after death entails, we can only hope for the best.
We want the person who has passed away to feel safe and be free from any anguish.
To say “rest in peace” means to find comfort in death and not be afraid.
What is the spiritual purpose of peace?
Everyone has their own way of finding, maintaining, and sharing peace.
Many people want peace to help with relaxation and ease fears and worries.
It is a way to go about this life, being able to accept the good and bad equally.
Peace centers us and brings us joy, contentment, and courage.
Personally, I find that being at peace is not an easy thing.
That’s why I pray about it.
For me, peace is the ultimate goal.
If I have inner peace, it will shine through in many aspects of my life.
With peace, I can be a better daughter, girlfriend, niece, and friend.
And whatever way you decide to let peace influence your life, know that I’m with you along this journey to tranquility.
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Isabella Pacinelli is a writer who covers relationship, self-love, spirituality, and entertainment topics.