Shalom
It is so much more than peace.
I have heard the word Shalom most of my life. Although I do not use it regularly in my conversations, I have heard others say it, and I have responded in kind. Especially when I went to Israel. I’ve had a general sense of knowing that it means peace. However, I am learning it is so much more than peace. I believe I learned this a while ago; as with many things in life, I need a refresher on what Shalom means.
According to the website FIRM (Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries), Shalom means to make something whole, to bring full restoration. I love that. I was learning more about Shalom during my Bible study over the weekend. The teacher of the Bible study said it is a blessing and a greeting.
The FIRM website also says this: “In Israel today, when you greet someone or say goodbye, you say, Shalom. You are literally saying, “may you be full of well-being” or, “may health and prosperity be upon you.”1
I love that this word can be used as a greeting and a blessing. I believe that is powerful, especially in our culture today. We live in a culture where many people want to find fault and blast someone for not doing what they think is best. I love that there is a word that serves as both a greeting and a blessing. I would love to see more of that each day!
It definitely makes 2 Thessalonians 3:16 more powerful to me when Paul says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
May we all be full of God’s peace every day! I know that we all need this as we live in a world that feels chaotic. The more I read and study God’s word, the more I enjoy sharing these posts with you all. My prayer for you all this week is that you will be blessed and that God will provide peace at all times in every way.
Also, this month marks 3 years of writing weekly! Each week I look forward to sitting down to write my posts. I don’t take it lightly that you have subscribed and read my posts each week!
I’d love to hear if you knew the meaning of Shalom or if this was something new for you. Leave a comment below!
https://firmisrael.org/learn/the-meaning-of-shalom/
Love this Becky. I need peace in my spirit so much these trying days. Love you🩷