40 Days of PEACE

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of PEACE
Day 34 |  PEACE LOVING | James 3:17-18

PEACE LOVING

James 3:17-18
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (NLT)

James – the half-brother of our Lord Jesus – wrote this letter to the Christians in his locale.  He has much to say about wisdom in this letter and these verses.

James describes this “wisdom from above” as having fruit.  He explains the character of wisdom is full of life and a giving heart, consistent with the holiness of our Lord God.  He says it is PURE, without sin or wrong motive.

Then James describes this type of wisdom as “peaceful” or “peace-loving.”  

As I pondered this, I could see – as we all can – that MANY today in our society are not the least bit interested in PEACE or in being gentle or full of mercy or in bearing the fruit of good deeds.  Indeed, in places of government and leadership, many today are focused only on achieving their objectives, desires, and goals.  So once again, our Lord’s priorities are counter-cultural, and HE expects us to be FULL of mercy and good deeds.

The Jesus Follower is sincere and does not show favoritism.  Followers of our Lord are to plant seeds of peace and to live out all these qualities that non-church folks can’t or won’t.  We should show gentleness, mercy, and purity.  We should be peace-loving and willing to yield to others.  These are the seeds of peace that will “reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Prayer: LORD, please help me recognize when I am NOT living according to these verses and principles.  I want to be peace-loving and know it will help our Christian family thrive in these days of unrest and upheaval.  Amen.