Shalom is the Hebrew word that we see all throughout scripture translated as “Peace.” In the ancient near east (and even now in modern Israel) it is used as a greeting and farewell. But this word doesn’t just mean “peace” in the most basic sense but something deeper and more meaningful.  Peace, in this sense, doesn’t just mean the absence of conflict, but overall completeness, soundness, wellbeing and reconciliation. This kind of peace (shalom) is only reached though God. There was Peace (shalom) between man and God in the garden with Adam and Eve but this peace was destroyed due to sin and the world descended  into brokenness. 

But the Good news is that though Jesus peace (shalom)has been restored! This is part of why the prophet Isaiah calls Jesus The Prince of Peace in his prophesy (Isa 9:6-7).

Towards the end of his life Jesus told His disciples In John 14: “Peace [Shalom] I leave with you; my peace [shalom] I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Emphasis added). 

Jesus lets us know that though we are in a world that may still be full of brokenness, that in Him we have Peace [Shalom] - a wholeness, soundness and wellbeing that is not determined by our outward situation but by our inward designation as His children. It is with this truth that we can wear this shirt having confidence that Jesus has given us Shalom and we can take this peace into His world for others to experience.