The answer is: Peace

John 14:27

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus promised his disciples peace, he was drawing a stark contrast to the tumult and despair that surrounded them. Imagine the stormy emotional landscape of those disciples—their mentor was leaving, danger loomed, and doubts swirled around them like a fierce wind. Telling them about peace was no small solace! He chilled out their spiraling anxiety with a serenity that was unlike the crumbling world outside.

Interestingly, the word used for peace in many translations is “Shalom,” a Hebrew term loaded with rich meaning—it conveys wholeness, harmony, and a deep sense of well-being, not just the absence of conflict. This wasn’t just you-find-your-feather-in-your-couch kind of peace; it was the ultimate feeling of being right with God and with one another.

If you flip through the Bible, echoes of this peace are throughout both the Old and New Testaments. For example, Isaiah 26:3 promises that those whose minds are steadfast in trust will find perfect peace. Not to mention the angels announcing Jesus' birth, proclaiming “peace on Earth” (Luke 2:14). The recurring theme strengthens the idea that peace is not a luxury—it's essential.

So, love, joy, and connectedness were integral to Jesus' teachings. In the chaos of life, he offered this unwavering peace, assuring his followers it was theirs to grasp during tough times. Pretty impressive, don't you think?