The Path of Peace

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” – James 3:17-18

Are there some people you struggle to get along with?

I grew up with two older brothers, one four years older than me and the other five years older. I still remember what my parents would say every time they had to leave the three of us alone in the house. As they were getting ready to leave one of the last things they would say is,

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”

When you have three boys in a home, peace wasn’t something we always had.

In our passage from James, today, it is about the wisdom of God and it mentions peace three times in two sentences. God’s wisdom leads to peace, but what characteristics can lead to peace between us and others?

Considerate – Another way to translate this is “gentleness.” Proverbs 15:1 tells us “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” How do you talk to people?
Submissive – We don’t tend to like this word in the U.S. Yet, the Bible speaks of submitting a lot. We are to submit to authorities, submit to elders, submit to spouses, submit to parents, and submit to each other. Are you the type who digs in ready to defend your position no matter what or are you willing to listen and possibly change your position or relent?
Full of Mercy – Mercy is not doing to someone what they deserve. Are you willing to forgive and not exact punishment even when the other person is wrong?
Impartiality – This is particularly helpful when you are the peacemaker between two others.
Sincerity – We should always deal with each other truthfully. People can usually see when others are faking it a mile away. Seek peace sincerely.

Peace can be difficult at time, but it’s worth pursuing. Often times we must be willing to humble ourselves in how we deal with each other.

Jesus demonstrated all these attributes. He was gentle and kind and submitted fully to the Father even unto death. He is full of mercy and sincerity and shows no partiality in His love and grace. By doing so, He was a peacemaker, bringing peace between us and God and providing both the way and the example for us to have peace between each other.

Dear Jesus,

You have given me peace with God through Your humble sacrifice. Help me to be willing to sacrifice as well and be a peacemaker.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

The Path of Peace

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL