Shalom: The Wholeness of Y’hovah

Fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh Series

Shalom — שָׁלוֹם — is far more than “peace.” In Scripture, shalom represents wholeness, completion, well-being, soundness, restoration, harmony, covenant faithfulness, and the fullness of life under the Kingship of Y’hovah.

Shalom is not the absence of conflict; it is the presence of divine order. It is not an emotion; peace is the result of covenant alignment.

And shalom is a fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh, produced in the talmid who walks in the steps of Rabbi HaGadol Y’hoshua Ben Y'hovah.

The Meaning of Shalom: Wholeness, Completion, Restoration

The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom) comes from the root: שׁ־ל־ם (shalam) — to be whole, to be complete, to be restored, to be finished.

Thus, shalom includes: wholeness of spirit, soul, mind, body, relationships, covenant, and community. When everything in your life functions as Y’hovah intends, it signifies not just the absence of conflict but a state of flourishing and harmony among individuals and within oneself.

Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning "peace," but it conveys a more profound sense of wholeness, completeness, and restoration across all aspects of life.

Shalom as Wholeness in Scripture

Iyov (Job) 5:23–24 TS2009

“You shall know that your tent is in peace (shalom),
and you shall visit your dwelling and not sin.”

Shalom as Covenant Relationship

Shalom is covenantal and the atmosphere of divine favor. It is the result of living in right relationship with Y’hovah. Peace comes when Y’hovah turns His face toward His people.
Shalom, in the context of a covenant relationship, signifies a deep sense of peace, wholeness, and harmony that encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also the fulfillment of YHVH's promises and the restoration of relationships. It reflects a holistic well-being that is central to the biblical understanding of YHVH's interactions with humanity, emphasizing love, loyalty, and faithfulness.

The Priestly Blessing

Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24–26 CJB

“May יהוה lift up His face toward you and give you shalom.”

Perfect Peace Comes from Trust

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 26:3–4 TS2009

“The one steadfast of mind You guard in perfect peace (shalom shalom), for he trusts in You.”

A double portion of peace belongs to the one who fixes their mind on Y’hovah in unwavering trust. This signifies wholeness and well-being that stems from emunah (faith).

Those Who Love Torah Have Shalom

Tehillim (Psalms) 119:165 TS2009

“Great peace have those loving Your Torah…”

Love of Torah produces inner stability in those who cherish and follow YHVH's teachings, and they experience deep peace and tranquility in their lives. This peace is described as abundant and unshakeable, providing comfort and stability even in difficult times. Rebellion breaks shalom.

Shalom in Y’hoshua HaMashiach

Y'hoshua is often called the Sar Shalom, signifying His role in bringing true peace to believers. Shalom is fulfilled in the person and work of the Messiah.

Sar Shalom — The Prince of Peace

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 9:6 CJB

“…his name will be called… Sar Shalom.”

He Himself Is Our Shalom

Efesim (Ephesians) 2:14 CJB

“For he himself is our shalom…”

Shalom Through His Blood

Romans 5:1 CJB

“…let us continue to have shalom with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.”

Shalom Spoken by the Risen Master

Yochanan (John) 20:19, 21 CJB

“Shalom aleikhem!”

Only through Y’hoshua can the talmid enter into covenant peace with Y’hovah and experience the inner wholeness the Ruach brings.

The First Function of Shalom: Guarding the Heart

The first purpose of the fruit of shalom is to prevent the heart of the talmid from becoming troubled.

Y’hoshua commanded:

Yochanan (John) 14:27 CJB

“Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.”

This implies choice and responsibility. Shalom must be cultivated and protected. We must take responsibility for inner peace. No one can cultivate peace for you; you must take the initiative.

Let the Shalom of Messiah Rule

Kolossim (Colossians) 3:15 CJB

“Let the shalom… be your heart’s arbiter…”

“It is up to the believer to ‘let’ peace rule.” Shalom must be allowed to rule the heart. A troubled heart must be silenced so the Ruach can lead.

Shalom Makes Us Peacemakers

Y’hovah desires His people to become peacemakers, not reactors. We are to respond to evil only with acts of love.

Ivrim (Hebrews) 12:14 CJB
“Keep pursuing shalom with everyone…”

Ephesians 2:13–14, 17 CJB
“He Himself is our shalom…”

Mattityahu (Matthew) 5:9 CJB
“How blessed are those who make peace!”

The Spirit of Retaliation Is Abolished

The teachings of Y’hoshua: retaliation, revenge, and defending one’s “rights” belong to the flesh — not the covenant of grace.

Peacemakers:

• bless those who curse you
• pray for those who mistreat you
• forgive offenses
• overcome evil with good
• refuse to react impulsively

This is how peace is manifested in our relationships.

Shalom in the Inner Life of the Talmid

Shalom Gives Rest

Tehillim (Psalms) 4:8 CJB

“In peace (shalom) I will lie down and sleep…”

Shalom in Trials

1 Kefa (1 Peter) 4:12–13 CJB

“Don’t regard as strange the fiery ordeal…”

Y’hoshua in the Storm

Mattityahu (Matthew) 8:24–26 CJB

“…but Yeshua was sleeping.”

Shalom is internal and refers to a deep sense of well-being and harmony within oneself, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health.
This fruit signifies wholeness and well-being, anchored by a relationship with Y’hovah. It reflects the assurance and calm that comes from trusting in YHVH's presence and promises, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges with confidence. Shalom stabilizes the soul when circumstances rage.

Abiding in Y’hoshua Produces Shalom

As we abide in Y'hoshua, we cultivate the fruit of peace by remaining continually in His presence regardless of one's feelings or circumstances. Ultimately, we will find peace only in Him.

This is exactly the teaching of Scripture:

Yochanan (John) 15:4–5 CJB

“Remain united with me…”

Yochanan (John) 16:33 CJB

“In union with me, you may have shalom.”

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 26:3 TS2009

“You guard in perfect shalom the one steadfast of mind…”

**Self-will destroys shalom.

Union with Y’hoshua creates it.**

Insecurity and lack of peace result when we live for our own self-interest rather than for YHVH's purposes for our lives.

Shalom as Warfare

It destroys chaos. Shalom, often translated as peace, can also be understood as a form of spiritual warfare, in which believers combat lies and deception through the truth of YHVH revealed in the TORAH (His instructions). This concept emphasizes that true peace involves not just the absence of conflict but also the active pursuit of justice and reconciliation in all relationships.

Shalom Rules the Heart

Kolossim (Colossians) 3:15 CJB

“Let the shalom… be your heart’s decision-maker…”

Shalom Guards the Mind

Philippians 4:6–7 TS2009

“…the peace of Elohim shall guard your hearts and minds…”

Y’hovah’s Plans Are Shalom

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 29:11 TS2009

“Plans of shalom and not of evil…”

Shalom is a sword that cuts through fear, anxiety, and confusion.

What Blocks Shalom?

Sin

Yesha’yahu 48:22 CJB

“There is no peace… for the wicked.”

Rebellion

Yesha’yahu 59:8 TS2009

“The way of peace they have not known.”

Double-Mindedness

Ya’akov (James) 1:8 CJB

“Unstable in all his ways.”

Unforgiveness

Mattityahu (Matthew) 6:14–15

Forgiveness is the doorway to peace.

Disobedience

Yesha’yahu 48:18 CJB

“If only you would heed my commands!
your peace would flow like a river.”

Shalom is lost wherever covenant is broken.

How to Walk in Shalom Daily

Shalom must be cultivated. These are the daily disciplines of the talmid.

1. Trust Fully in Y’hovah

Mishlei (Proverbs) 3:5–6 TS2009

“Trust in יהוה with all your heart…”

Shalom begins where self-reliance ends.

2. Stay in His TORAH

Tehillim (Psalms) 119:165 TS2009

“Great peace have those loving Your Torah…”

TORAH is the foundation of shalom.

3. Set Your Mind on Things Above

Kolossim (Colossians) 3:2 CJB

“Focus your minds on the things above…”

Heavenly focus replaces earthly turmoil.

4. Pray with Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6–7 TS2009

“In every matter… the peace of Elohim shall guard you.”

Thankful prayer unlocks supernatural peace.

5. Obey Quickly

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:1–2 TS2009
Yesha’yahu 48:18 CJB

Obedience releases shalom like a river.

Delayed obedience blocks peace.

6. Be Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen

Ya’akov (James) 1:19 CJB

“Quick to listen, slow to speak…”

Shalom thrives where anger dies.

7. Follow Y’hoshua’s Example

1 Yochanan 2:6 CJB
Yochanan 5:30 CJB
Yochanan 14:27 CJB

His shalom flowed from perfect union with the Father.

Having the faith (emunah) OF Y'hoshua and imitating him is the highest path to shalom.

Shalom is not merely a feeling — it is the wholeness of Y’hovah alive in the talmid who trusts Him, obeys Torah, imitates Y’hoshua, yields to the Ruach HaKodesh, and cultivates inner stillness.

Shalom guards the heart, calms the mind, and stabilizes the soul. It can shape relationships and reflect Y’hovah’s nature.

May His shalom shalom rest upon all who walk in His covenant.

By Rabbi Francisco Arbas
📧 franciscoarbas.yisrael@gmail.com
Following His ‘WAY’ — Netzari Mashiach Judaism