Peace!

Read: James 3:13-18

The hand gesture of two fingers held up in the shape of a V can have many meanings depending on who you talk to or what country you are in.  In the United States it has most often been associated with the word “peace.”  In the Bible, peace-making is encouraged on many different fronts.  We pray for peace in our world, we pray for peace in our country, and we pray for peace in our own community, families, and relationships.  

Sometimes praying for peace in a war torn and violent world can feel heavy.  How much difference does it make and how much difference can we make when dictators and countries are choosing war over peace?  Praying does matter and we must continue to lift these desires and concerns to God.  We must also pray for the innocent who are affected by the decisions of tyrants.

We can also make a difference closer to home.  James 3:18 says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”  In Matthew 6 Jesus also says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  How can you sow peace in the situations that are close to you?  In your family, with your friends, in your community?  We are called to pray for peace but we are also called in scripture to be people of peace.

Make It Personal:  What relationship comes to mind when you think of choosing peace or cultivating peace in your life?  Let’s try to be the peacemakers that Jesus calls us to be.  Let’s also continue to pray for those in our world who are experiencing the opposite of peace.

Have a blessed week,  Glen Rhodes