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What if the peace you feel isn’t real, just avoidance?

You can silence the noise, dodge hard conversations, and convince yourself everything is fine. But underneath, there’s still tension, anxiety, and pressure building. This story pulls back the curtain on artificial peace and exposes what’s really going on inside. It shows how avoiding conflict, numbing pain, and controlling outcomes can look like peace but slowly break your life.

Real change starts when you stop blaming everyone else and face the war within. The shift happens through surrender, not control. Jesus steps into that inner chaos and offers something deeper than surface calm. Peace that rebuilds your soul, reshapes your heart, and changes how you show up in relationships, conflict, and everyday life.

Aaron Schroeder
April 26th, 2026

// Bible References: James 3:2-12, 4:1-3; Matt 5:9, 21-22;

// Community Question: What is your favorite Spring Break memory?

// Discussion Questions

1. Aaron shared that 'every fight I've ever been in is proof that I have turned good desires into demands’. What are some good desires in your life that might have become unhealthy demands? How can you tell the difference between a healthy want and a destructive demand?
2. Aaron explained 'peacekeepers' avoid conflict and 'peacemakers' bring truth into the light during conflict. What's the difference between these two approaches, and why does avoiding conflict often create more problems in the long run? Think about a situation in your life where you've been 'keeping the peace' by avoiding a difficult conversation. What would it look like to be a 'peacemaker' in that situation instead?
3. Aaron defined biblical peace (shalom) as being 'put back together - heart, soul, mind and strength' rather than just the absence of conflict. How does true peace require surrender rather than control? What area of your life are you trying to control to have peace? What would it look like to surrender that area to Jesus and trust Him with the outcome?
4. Going Deeper: Read James 3:2-5. How does this passage connect our words to the condition of our hearts? If someone listened to the way you speak when you're stressed or upset, what would they learn about the condition of your heart? What patterns do you notice in your own speech?

// Challenge: Aaron challenged us to take the first step towards peace by being honest with Jesus about our current condition. What in your life do you need to be honest with Jesus about today? What are some practical steps you can take to surrender your will for this life over to Jesus and His will?